William M. Cromer is the founding director of the Fort Smith Chorale.  Named Distinguished Director of the Year by the Arkansas Choral Directors Association in 1988 and 2006, he served as its President from 1988-1990.  Mr. Cromer received the Civic Center Honors Award from the City of Fort Smith in 1994 for his outstanding leadership in music and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association.

Inspired by his early choral experiences at Pine Bluff High School and First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Bill Cromer obtained his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education at Arkansas State University.  Following graduation, Mr. Cromer moved to Fort Smith and began teaching at Kimmons Junior High School.  His great success at Kimmons was recognized two years later by his being named Director of Choral Activities at Northside High School where he has served for 32 years.  Mr. Cromer is also the immediate past director of the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church.