Lee to Host Honor Choir Concert

Over 300 high school students, representing 25 schools, will visit Lee University's campus on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, to participate in the annual Honor Choir. The event will conclude with a concert, "Here We Belong," on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. in the Conn Center.

"We love hosting area choral students, their teachers, and families!" said Dr. Kay Dick, associate professor of music education and coordinator of Honor Choir. "While music-making with amazing clinicians, friends, and new friends is the main purpose, we also want them to experience the warm hospitality of Lee. It is an incredible effort across our campus to provide a meaningful and memorable musical experience that will hopefully encourage and energize them as they go back home."

Each choral student is chosen by their high school choral directors to represent their schools. While on campus, they will work with in-demand clinicians, gaining valuable musical experience. This year's clinicians include Jacksonville State University's Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr. conducting Treble Choir and Lee's own Dr. Cameron Weatherford conducting Tenor/Bass Choir. There will also be a music showcase put on for the students during the weekend, featuring the Ladies of Lee, Voices of Lee, and Chorale.

The Honor Choir concert will feature several selections, including Froman's "Song of Light," Huff's "You Will Be Found," and Schmidt's "Lead Me On."  Lee Singers will also perform.

At Jacksonville State University, Yanson Jr. is director of choral activities and conducts the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers, and Civic Chorale. He also teaches undergraduate and graduate music classes while being an active adjudicator, conference speaker, and clinician around the world. Yanson Jr. received a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in choral conducting from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Music in church music (conducting) and a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Bob Jones University.  

Weatherford joined Lee's School of Music faculty in 2021 and conducts the Ladies of Lee and Lee's Choral Union, along with teaching choral music curriculum. He has received numerous awards in conducting and education and has been an adjudicator and presenter in multiple states and conferences. Weatherford earned a DMA from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Music from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Music from Louisiana College.  

The Saturday concert is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. It is available for livestream viewing at leeu.live/.  

For more information about the Honor Choir or the concert, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/music/honor-choir/, or contact Dick at [email protected]or Weatherford at [email protected].