faculty SPOTLIGHT

CHARLEY SNELL

Charley Snell returns to Atlanta from Bloomington, IN, where he is completing his doctoral degree in Choral Conducting at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. During his time in Bloomington, Mr. Snell studied conducting with Dominick DiOrio, Betsy Burleigh, and Walter Huff, as well as teaching undergaraduate courses in conducting, music theory, and voice, directing the All-Campus Choir, and singing in multiple ensembles including the internationally-renowned NOTUS Contemporary Vocal Ensemble. He also served as assistant director/choral scholar at the Trinity Episcopal Church under Marilyn Keiser. Previously, Mr. Snell led the choral program at Lakeside High School in Atlanta from 2008-2015, where his choirs performed across the nationally and internationally, receiving superior ratings and accolades. Mr. Snell also served as the Assistant Choirmaster at All Saints Episcopal Church under Ray Chenault, and as an assistant director in the Atlanta Master Chorale. Snell earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master’s of Music from Florida State University and Emory University, respectively. His work included studies with Andre Thomas, Kevin Fenton, Eric Nelson, and Simon Carrington. For the past two decades, Mr. Snell has worked with choirs of every age and level of education both at the local and state levels bringing his passion for the choral art to numerous singers throughout the country. As a tenor, he has performed across the United States and internationally, both as a soloist and as a chorister. He has studied with Larry Gerber, Stanford Olsen, and Dr. Brian Horne. He resides in Smyrna with his wife, Jane, their two children, Nils and Elin, and their dog, Klaus.

men’s chorus

The Men’s Chorus sings for special concerts, chapel services, and competitions. They won first place in their division at the 1995 MusicFest Competition in Orlando, and the coveted Grand Championship. They also won first place in their division in the 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2006 competitions and second place in the 1998 Grand Championship. The Men’s Chorus won first place Gold in the 2000 Southern Star Music Festival and the Sweepstakes title for the highest score of the festival. In 2008, this group earned superior ratings in performance at the GMEA Performance Evaluation, as well as earning a superior rating at Festival Disney.

women’s chorus

The Women’s Chorus participates in chapel, the Service of Lessons and Carols, the classical concert, and the spring musical. They have performed at Disney World, the Piedmont Driving Club, and for the Atlanta Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. Members of this ensemble participate annually in the GMEA District Five Honor Chorus, and the GMEA All-State Chorus. They won Outstanding Choral Group, first place Gold, and the coveted Adjudicator’s Trophy at the 1991 Music Heritage Festival in New Orleans. They received first place at the MusicFest Competitions in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2006. In 2008, this group earned superior ratings in performance and sight-reading at the GMEA Performance Evaluation. The Lovett Women’s Chorus regularly performs for holiday caroling in the Vinings area.

Middle School Chorus

Choral music has historical and cross-cultural connections that transcend time and artistic disciplines. Singing is a powerful emotional outlet. In this class, singers are “choral artists.” Students will build vocal, theory, and artistic skills needed to perform a varied repertoire of music. Through a process known as “scaffolding,” individual and choral ensembles will develop independence and musical maturity through perceptive assessment of self and others. The music studied will broaden their perspective of the world, build self-confidence, and provide an exciting opportunity to establish close friendships. Students will understand that each person’s shared efforts create a product much greater than the sum of individual talents.

instructor faculty in Perkins study Diaconal Methodist