Choral Union transforms under new director
Photo by Senior Reporter Kristin Shaffer
Until this year, Choral Union functioned as a required ensemble for music majors and minors; however, under the leadership of first-year faculty member and Assistant Professor of Choral Music Dr. Cameron Weatherford, Choral Union aims to be a meaningful choral experience and an inclusive community for music and non-music students alike.
Weatherford has assembled a leadership council of like-minded students who have generated new ideas to boost morale and involvement within the ensemble.
“I started the Union Council, which is our leadership team, and that’s been really helpful. They’ve been really ‘gung-ho’ about being involved and contributing a ton of ideas in terms of community to the table,” said Weatherford.
The Choral Union Council consists of president and sophomore music business major Michaela Duryea, librarian and sophomore music education major Emma Burnett, community builder and junior music major Ashley Mills and social media coordinator and sophomore music and worship major Micayla Smith.
According to Mills, these students underwent an extensive application process before they were selected for their respective roles.
“Dr. Weatherford hand-picked the students on the council. We had to fill out applications, and he chose us based on what we wrote when we applied,” said Mills.
The first major change the council facilitated was the addition of a fall retreat and Choral Union Houses. In resemblance to Harry Potter Houses, members wore the house color they were appointed, forming connected, identifiable groups.
“We did a one-night fall retreat at the beginning of the semester, which I think really kicked off this kind of communal aspect,” said Weatherford. “We divided everyone into their houses that night.”
As the community builder, Mills took the lead in establishing the houses. Mills said implementing the Choral Union Council and houses has improved the overall culture of the ensemble by instilling a stronger sense of unity amongst the 50 members.
“I tried to assign the houses sectional-wise, in case we ever needed to do sectionals. So, each house has a couple sopranos, altos and tenors — seven or eight students. Implementing these houses is one way we are having community,” said Mills. “Every Thursday, we alternate between our devotional days and Union House meeting days. On those days, I give a couple prompts, kind of like a prayer group, just to have a check-in time for everyone to talk to one another and see how everyone’s doing.”
Junior music and psychology double major and long-time Choral Union member Marielle Alexander has noticed a shift in the ensemble’s culture under Weatherford, especially since implementing officers and houses.
“Having been a long-term member of Choral Union since the fall of 2019, I have seen the ensemble change and grow under three different directors,” said Alexander. “Dr. Weatherford is a great advocate for unity within the body of the ensemble, and he believes that if the individual members of the ensemble feel a closer connection to each other within a safe community, the ensemble as a whole will benefit from this connection in many musical aspects.”
Weatherford’s vision for Choral Union extends beyond the School of Music as he wants to make Choral Union an accessible, inclusive ensemble for any Lee student interested in singing.
He wants to open up this opportunity to non-music majors, hoping to see an even mix within the members. Choral Union is distinct in not requiring auditions or previous choral experience for joining.
“That’s the calling card for Choral Union,” said Weatherford. “It’s definitely a passion of mine because I feel like that kind of group can facilitate anybody who wants to sing, and I’m confident enough that I can build a sound with almost anybody, even non-majors and people who have not sung very much before, and we can create something really special.”
Mills said the lack of required auditions should not deter prospective Choral Union members from joining. She hopes the choir will still be taken seriously and people from all backgrounds of experience remain committed to hard work when joining.
“Just because it’s not auditioned doesn’t mean that the people in there are not dedicated or that it’s not going to be a challenge. We’re doing some pretty hard music this semester, like John Rutter’s “Gloria,” and even though it’s not auditioned, I don’t want people to think that it’s easy,” said Mills. “So, I think Choral Union will be a really good introduction to what music can be like and the excellence that you have to strive for in creating a masterpiece.”
Alexander said despite the challenging music and high standards for the choir, Weatherford is a gracious director who emphasizes unity above all else.
“The ensemble is continuously working on unity. Each of the participants is coming from a very different place in life, and coming together for Choral Union provides a sense of family and solidarity through joyfully and skillfully making music. During each rehearsal, we are pushed to do better than the minute before, and Dr. Weatherford always meets us with passion and grace,” said Alexander.
Weatherford and the Choral Union Council encourage any student interested in singing in a choir to consider joining Choral Union in the spring.
“If you’re just looking for a place where you like to sing, you want to learn more about reading music, you want to learn more about this repertoire, and kind of be a part of the community, all you’ve got to do is show up,” said Weatherford.
