Music Director
Reagan G. Paras
Reagan G. Paras, serves as the Director of Music Education & Choral Activities for Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Gordon College where he studied conducting under Kenneth Phillips. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Music Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. In 2020, he was appointed Artistic Director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall’s Youth Singers and is preparing for a promising inaugural season. He co-founded two professional chamber choirs: Diamonds From The Dust and Vellichor where he continues to serve as a board member and singing artist. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals across the country.
He is a passionate advocate for music education, serving on various executive boards for music associations across the northeast. He is a proud husband to his amazing wife Lindsey and father of three children ages 7, 6, and 3. He is thrilled to be joining the Nashua Choral Society team!
Justin McCarthy
Pianist
Justin has worked as an accompanist and teacher in the greater Boston area for over 20 years. Currently, he serves as collaborative pianist for the Department of Music, Theatre, & Dance at Plymouth State University. Justin has given recitals in New York, Boston, Houston, Dallas, Ireland, and the Czech Republic. As conductor, his recent productions have included Mary Poppins, The Drowsy Chaperone, Wedding Singer, Jacques Brel, Godspell, Little Women, Offenbach ’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and Carmina Burana. Dr. McCarthy ’s music is published by GIA Publications, Inc. He has appeared in recital with violinist Elliott Markow, clarinetist Stephanie Ratte Jenkins, and sopranos Donna Lombardo & Emily Jaworski. Recently, Justin has collaborated with conductor, Dan Perkins on concert versions of “Parade,” and “Ragtime.” He received his Bachelor & Master’s degrees from Rice University, and his Doctorate from Boston University. His teachers have included Paul Cooper, Robert Roux, Bruce MacCombie, and Lukas Foss. Dr. McCarthy has performed in masterclasses with Richard Goode and Abbey Simon, and coached with John Perry. In addition to maintaining an active teaching studio, Justin runs performance workshops, and is the staff accompanist at the Manchester Community Music School. He currently serves as music director and organist of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bedford, NH.