Jim Boratko

Until his retirement from IT Management, music was always Jim’s second career. Even so, he managed to perform with Grammy Award-winning artists Paul Halley and Paul Winter at Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. He continues to sing throughout the area with the award winning choirs of Joyful Noise. Now he is a full time musician, serving as Organist and Music Director for the First Church of West Hartford, directing the Choral Club of Hartford, playing keyboards for the classic rock band, Still Kickin and the Big City Horns, and piano for the swing band Simply Swing, as well as several other groups. Jim’s forte is to combine singing excellence with the joy of performance. He is fond of providing challenges to his groups that are just beyond their comfort zone, so that, after they have achieved them, they can grow in self confidence and ability. He strives to bring a visual element into his groups’ performance, so both they and the audience can experience the song beyond just singing and listening. Leading the West Hartford Rock Voices chorus is the perfect opportunity to combine his talents, experience, and passion.