ACC and Barton Alumni Return to Campus for “Voices Reunite” Concert on Saturday, April 21

WILSON, N.C. — On Saturday, April 21, Atlantic Christian College and Barton College music alumni and friends, representing over four decades, will perform in the “Voices Reunite” concert to be held in Howard Chapel at 7 p.m. There is no charge for the program, and the community is invited to attend.

A choir of seventy-five will sing selections ranging from an antiphonal Palestrina “Gloria Patri” to Gershwin’s Embraceable You,” from William Dawson’s “Soon ah will be Done” to Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure on this Shining Night,” from Stephen Paulus’ “The Road Home” to Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” just to name a few.  The choir promises a few surprises as well.

“Voices Reunite,” also the title of the much-anticipated music alumni reunion weekend scheduled for April 20-21, has been in the planning for over 18 months. With over 100 music alumni and friends returning to campus, the purpose of this reunion has been three-fold: to provide an opportunity for music alumni to rekindle friendships with peers, colleagues, and professors; to honor professors of the music program; and to share their love of music.

Spearheading the event is ACC alumnus Lester Gray Southern, Class of 1978, who reached out to college friends to see if they would be interested serving on a steering committee to plan a music reunion.  The response far exceeded his vision, and he soon had a committee of eleven joining him in planning a weekend packed with activities and rehearsals, and concluding with the “Voices Reunited” concert. With the assistance of Summer Brock, director of alumni and parent programs, the steering committee soon began reaching out to hundreds of former choir and band members, inviting them to return to campus for the special weekend. “There were countless details and items to be organized and prepared,” shared Southern. “‘Voices Reunite’ would have never come to fruition had it not been for their hard work, drive, and determination.

“Everyone who was a member of the college choir or band during their college days knew, when a music rehearsal or concert began, we were going to be part of something remarkable and magical,” continued Southern.  “The music that our professors shared with us was the golden thread that bound us together. We feel so grateful to be able to honor these professors who shaped our lives.”

A number of music and education professors plan to be in attendance. Southern shared that this [will be] the perfect venue to say ‘thank you’ to the professors for the positive influence they had on their students’ lives. Among those returning to campus will be Dr. J. Ross Albert, longtime beloved choir director and chair of the Music Department.

Also returning, to serve as guest conductor of the “Voices Reunite” concert, will be revered voice professor and vocal ensemble/choir conductor Dr. Robert Daniel, who currently serves on the faculty at the Northeastern State University – Oklahoma.

Members of the “Voices Reunite” steering committee include: Lester Gray Southern, ’78, chair; Randy Barham,’78; Joy Butler Clayton, ’77; Rick Clayton, ’77; Connie Duke Collier, ’75; Elizabeth “Libby” Tippett Cox, ’76; Becky Lennon Crowder, ’66; Chuck Henry, ’81; Cindy Waters Hill, ’80; L. Dallas Montague, ’78; Davida Barwick Phillips, ’80; and Cheryl Sanders Stone, ’77.

For additional information about the “Voices Reunite” concert and reunion weekend, please contact Summer Brock, director of alumni and parent programs, at 252-399-6383 or email: sebrock@barton.edu.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu