Master's Student in Choral Conducting
School of Music
Email: jraffa@email.arizona.edu
Justin began his professional career as a teacher for Bisbee Unified School District,
where he oversaw the high choral department and theatric arts curriculum, in addition
to his duties as the Artistic Director of the Bisbee Community Chorus for three years
beginning in 2003. Originally from Glassboro, NJ, Justin is a Magna Cum Laude graduate
of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, NJ, where he received a
Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with a vocal concentration. Upon his graduation,
Justin was awarded the Rider University President's Award, the most prestigious award
given to a graduating senior. During his tenure at WCC, Justin had the opportunity to
perform with some of the world’s leading conductors and orchestras as a member of the
Westminster Symphonic Choir, including Riccardo Muti with the NY Philharmonic and
Riccardo Chailly with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. In addition
to performing, Justin studied conducting and group vocal technique with nationally-acclaimed
pedagogue James Jordan.
Locally, Justin has sung with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus and continues to perform as a member the Tucson Chamber Artists, in addition to his private voice studies with master teacher Korby Myrick. Justin has been an active member of AMEA (Arizona Music Educators Association) and served on the state board of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) as Repertoire & Standards Chair for Community Choirs in Arizona for three years. Having previously worked for Dove of Peace Lutheran and St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal churches, Justin now serves as the Minister of Music at Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ. Justin is currently pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting at the University of Arizona and serves as the first assistant conductor of the Southern Arizona Women’s Chorus.