Dr. William John Dehning (August 13, 1942 – June 23, 2017) was an American conductor, teacher, and author who spent almost his entire career in the collegiate realm.

[1] He was known primarily for his work as conductor of the University of Southern California Thornton Chamber Choir and as author of the book, Chorus Confidential: Decoding the Secrets of the Choral Art, published in 2003.

During his tenure, the ensemble also appeared at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conventions six times, including nationals in 2001 and 2005.

Immediately following, Dehning enrolled at the University of Southern California, where he attained master's and doctoral degrees in church and choral music with highest honors.

While there he studied with Charles C. Hirt, James Vail, Ingolf Dahl, Walter Ducloux, and Halsey Stevens.

Dehning became a frequent visitor to South Korea—a country that cherishes choral music—where he has appeared often as guest conductor of professional choruses and clinician with numerous universities.

In 2012, he was diagnosed with Foix-Alajouanine Syndrome - an arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord affecting the lower half of the thoracic spine, causing him to commit to fewer guest conducting engagements.