Director and Conductor

Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia.  She is presently an instructor in music at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as well as Director of Choral Activities. As an instructor, one of her students recently placed second in the DeBose National Piano Competition held at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Under her direction, the University Concert Choir has toured both in the United States, to include a performance at the United Nations and Miami Florida, as  well as the Caribbean Islands.      

Since moving to the Eastern Shore, Harleston has performed recitals at Washington College, Salisbury State University, Norfolk State University,  University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and the Trawler Dinner Theater.  She has performed in the opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Musical Director for the musicals, “Little Shop of Horrors” in Ocean City, Maryland, “Purlie” at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and guest Director for the Third Accomack All-County Elementary Chorus.

Harleston has served as an adjudicator for the Tidewater Piano Teachers Forum, Brent Scholarship Fund, and the Eastern Shore Choral Festivals.  She has served as a panelist on the Maryland State Arts Council. Her appointment was renewed for three consecutive years.  She is presently Choir Master/Organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Director of the Mount Calvary United Methodist Church Handbell Choir.

Harleston has been the recipient of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Service Award, University of Maryland Eastern Shore “Celebrated Women Award,” and the “Chairman’s Award.”  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Music degree from Norfolk State University.

She and her husband, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Robert A. Harleston, reside in Delmar, Maryland.