Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Milton III.
Donald, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I wasn’t a musical child. I didn’t do any organized music by choice until I was in high school, but singing in choir absolutely changed my life for the better. It woke me up to the importance of emotional expression and community. I decided to pursue music education with the hope of changing other people’s lives through choral music. By the skin of my teeth, I got into the University of Michigan School of Music, where I focused on conducting, education, and vocal pedagogy. I moved to Atlanta in 2008 to serve as the director of music at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, where we have a very eclectic and excellent program that includes a wide range of genres and vibes, often on the same Sunday. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many wonderful groups in Atlanta, including the Atlanta Master Chorale and the DeKalb Choral Guild (now Harmonia Atlanta). I became the artistic director of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus (AGMC) in January 2018 and, since then, have been dedicated to creating diverse, inclusive, and impactful musical experiences for the community. Additionally, I founded Lux Atlanta and Sky Punch, two initiatives that aim to bring music to the community in interactive, accessible ways. In May 2025, I achieved a career highlight with my conducting debut at Carnegie Hall.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think a smooth road in the arts is rare, particularly in building programs that resonate across such a diverse community as Atlanta’s. Creating inclusive spaces that maintain a high level of musical excellence requires dedication, adaptability, and collaboration with community members. The pandemic posed unique challenges, requiring us to rethink how we connect with our audiences through music. Still, it also offered an opportunity to innovate and bring people together in new ways.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the luckiest guy in the whole world. Singing is such a vulnerable act, but something I believe everyone should do. A big part of my work is creating a space where people feel safe and inspired so they can allow themselves to try, and fail, and try again, until the whole ensemble grows musically. The familial environment created in rehearsal is felt during performances, and I really love that. Through rehearsals, concerts, and Sunday morning services, I have the privilege of affecting people’s lives and giving them space to experience beauty. I do a lot of work with changing voices, including trans singers, adolescent singers, and I’ve been doing a lecture on the aging voice for a decade. This all stems from my deep belief that everyone should sing, and I want people to feel great about it. My company, Sky Punch ATL, produces community arts events, including sing-alongs, because, even though I spend most of my life creating musical excellence, I think the world needs more places where people sing just for the experience, not to make a product.
What’s next?
In so many ways, I’m living my professional dream. I love working with amateur singers, teaching vocal technique, and creating music that is more beautiful than anything we can do alone. Conducting one of my all-time favorite pieces at Carnegie Hall in May 2025 remains an unforgettable highlight of my career. After celebrating my marriage earlier this year, I’m stepping into 2026 with renewed purpose and creativity. This season, I’m especially excited about the AGMC’s upcoming performances, which continue to push the boundaries of what community-based choral music can be. We’re expanding our programming, deepening our partnerships, and finding new ways to make our work accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences in Atlanta and beyond. My work at UUCA continues to be deeply rewarding, allowing me to connect with people through music every week.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.voicesofnote.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agmchorus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGMChorus/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgklvkjL7UMKXDkyJeZ5Bw
