Approximately 200 high school students, representing 16 schools and four states, will visit Lee University’s campus Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, to participate in the annual Honor Choir. The event will conclude with a performance on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. in the Conn Center.

Each member was recommended by their high school choral directors to represent their schools at the event. There will be a Treble Choir, conducted by Assistant Professor of Choral Music Dr. Cameron Weatherford, and a Tenor/Bass Choir, conducted by Dr. Meg Stohlmann, assistant professor of applied music at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

“I am so excited to showcase music that represents who we are and who we are striving to be. What makes this event so special is not only the music, but also the singers presenting it,” said Lauren Buckner, assistant professor of music education at Lee. “It’s an honor to come alongside these music educators and singers to make this extraordinary event happen.”

Both choirs will rehearse and perform a variety of selections. The concert, titled “Dream Keeper,” will include music centered around the persistent pursuit of dreams and the resilience of communities. The entire group will merge at the end of the concert to form a mixed choir and perform “Dream Keeper” by Rollo Dilworth and “Hard Times” by Stephen Foster. The Lee University Choral Union, directed by Weatherford, and Ladies of Lee, directed by Dr. Randy Sheeks, associate professor music and worship at Lee, will perform with the Honor Choir.

Weatherford conducts the Choral Union at Lee, along with teaching choral music curriculum. Prior to Lee, Weatherford served as the chair of the division of fine arts and director of choral activities at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. He has received numerous awards in conducting and education and has been an adjudicator and presenter in multiple states and conferences. Weatherford earned a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Music (MM) from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Music from Louisiana College. p>

Stohlmann teaches music courses and conducts the Glee Club, Chorale, and Youth Chorale in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. Along with previously teaching music in high schools, Stohlmann also served in the Air Force on active duty for five years. She received her DMA from the University of Washington, her MM from the University of Kentucky, and her Bachelor of Music Education at Sonoma State University

The Saturday concert is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. It will also be available for livestream at span>https://leeu.live/ .

For more information about the Honor Choir or the concert, contact Buckner at (423) 614-8259 or [email protected].