HEIDI ACKERMAN

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Charm City Sings

Heidi Ackerman serves as founder and executive director of Charm City Sings, a community chorus she established in 2022 that has grown from 28 singers to 190 members with a waitlist of 135. Based in Baltimore, Ackerman leads the organization while simultaneously holding positions as musical director of The Frederick Chorale since 2021 and assistant conductor of Baltimore Choral Arts Society since 2023.

Ackerman earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University in 2011 and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Northwestern College in 2008. Her professional career includes seven years with The U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus from 2013 to 2020, where she served as an enlisted conductor and alto. During her military service, she also worked as a public relations representative and social media manager for the United States Army from 2014 to 2019, managing media relations and leading digital strategy for the United States Army Field Band.

Before founding Charm City Sings, Ackerman served as musical director of the American Military Spouses Choir from 2019 to 2022. Her achievements include receiving a 2021 Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio for the Soundtrack of the American Soldier.

“Founding Charm City Sings and growing it from 28 singers to 190 (with a waitlist of 135) in under three years stands as my proudest professional accomplishment; proof that bold vision, joyful artistry and community-centered music unite Baltimore in song,” Ackerman said.

Ackerman describes herself as a professional singer and conductor who has performed on world-class stages with elite ensembles, yet whose greatest passion lies in creating equitable access to the arts. She explains that Charm City Sings brings free, high-quality choral music to Baltimore’s doorstep, local parks, or favorite breweries, uniting excellence with impact and artistry with service.

Beyond her formal leadership roles, Ackerman provides private vocal instruction to singers recovering from illness or injury. Her volunteer work includes serving as a therapy dog handler and volunteer with Pet Partners and the Maryland SPCA from 2018 to 2022, organizing a concert series at Maryland Correctional Institution for Women from 2017 to 2020, and mentoring with Thread from 2017 to 2018.

“I founded Charm City Sings with two goals: to sing with my Baltimore neighbors and to challenge the idea that excellence in the arts must come with barriers,” Ackerman said. Through inclusive leadership, joyful music-making and a commitment to community connection, she strives to inspire lasting change in how the arts are shared and experienced.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.