This degree offers a dynamic curriculum centered on music production, audio engineering, and music technology, equipping students with the creative and technical skills needed to excel in today’s industry. By integrating music courses with cutting-edge technology, students will refine their musicianship and become versatile problem solvers in areas like audio production, video, and lighting. Graduates will leave well-prepared and marketable for a wide range of career opportunities.
Music Technology
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
CAREER OPPORTUNTIES
“In response to the rapidly evolving world of music technologies, Lee University’s Music Technology program offers a comprehensive degree designed to prepare students for careers in audio engineering,lighting and video production, and tech roles in the local church. With state-of-the-art facilities, students will gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to excel in real-world environments. Explore this exciting program and take the first step toward a dynamic career in music technology.”
Dr. Luke Gambill
Music Business and Music Technology Area Coordinator
For over sixty years, Campus Choir has been a Christ-centered auditioned touring choir, performing at the university as well as across the Eastern United States and international venues. Within Campus Choir is Power Unlimited, a traveling worship-based ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists.
THE EARLY YEARS OF MUSIC MINISTRY. In the early forties in Sevierville, Tennessee, Bible Training School (BTS), which was to become Lee University, was deeply involved in music ministry. BTS sponsored The Church of God Hour on local radio, which featured a 40-voice mixed choir. During this period directors like Harold Cato, Y.H. Yates, and Roosevelt Miller led exciting choirs that were very effective in reaching their generation.
In the spring of 1958 A.T. Humphries divided the Mixed Choir into two distinct organizations – Touring Choir and Campus Choir. This means that Campus Choir is the oldest choral ensemble at Lee University. From this inauspicious beginning until the present, Campus Choir has maintained a vital musical witness. Campus Choir, always joined by the members of the Touring Choir, sang a variety of musical styles but its staple repertory was selection from the “Red Back Hymnal.” Dr. Delton Alford succeeded the founding director and served as director from 1963 to 1967. During his tenure, Campus Choir gave the first performance of the Handel’s Messiah by a Lee University choir. Alford soon established a new organization, the Lee Singers, and began a new direction for his tenure at Lee.
Dr. Jim Burns was appointed director of Campus Choir and served as director from 1967 to 1973 and 1974 to 1978. Dr. Burns continued the tradition of singing gospel hymns and hymn anthems and expanded the repertory. Shortly after his appointment as director, Campus Choir became a fully separate ensemble. During his tenure Campus Choir performed such works as Messiah, King David, Elijah, and What is Man? Under Burns’ direction Campus Choir made its very first recording - Nelson’s oratorio, “What is Man?” The choir continued to broaden its repertory by performing some of the contemporary Christian musicals of the era, such as “Love” and “Tell It Like It Is.” Jerry Long served as director from 1973 to 1974 and continued the emphasis on service music.
Dr. David Horton became the director of Campus Choir in 1977 and served his first tenure through the spring of 1980. During this time, Campus Choir continued its emphasis on service music and classical music. They performed Messiah with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and Honegger’s King David as well as the contemporary Christian musical, Celebrate Life with special guest, Daniebelle Hall of Andre Crouch and the Disciples. In the spring of 1980, Horton was asked to serve as the Director of Music Drama. For the next two years he produced the musicals “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “The Music Man,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” “The Wizard of Oz” featured Brian Green who went on to star in two Broadway musicals – “Big River” and “Space Mites.”
Dr. Phillip Thomas served as director from 1980 to 1983. During his tenure the choir performed Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with orchestra, as well as a wide variety of musical styles from the then currently popular disco to hymn anthems, to classical music.
Dr. David Horton was appointed as director of Campus Choir for a second tenure in 1983. Beginning with an enrollment of 58 students, the choir began a period of remarkable growth. Over the next few years the choir grew to an enrollment of 150 students. Dr. Horton realized that the choir was becoming larger than he could efficiently handle, so the decision was made to require auditions and to limit the size of the choir. At about the same time, the choir began to travel to churches in the surrounding area to sing.
Another influence at this same time was the creation of Choral Union with the purpose of performing the great oratorios. The first performance of Choral Union was conducted by Horton, and the music chosen was Handel’s Messiah accompanied by members of the Chattanooga Symphony. Since Choral Union was formed to allow all the music majors to perform the great oratorios and other choral masterpieces, this meant that Campus Choir was no longer needed for that repertory. Because of the need to redefine the purpose of Campus Choir, worship music and ministry became the primary focus of the Lee University Campus Choir.
While the focus of our ministry is and always will be the Lee University campus, the choir has had the wonderful opportunity of ministering throughout the United States and in other countries. Campus Choir and Power Unlimited (a small ensemble from the choir) have had the opportunity to sing at some of the leading churches in America, such as: the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New Your City with Pastor Jim Cymbala; Central Baptist in Hixon, TN, with Pastor Ron Phillips, Christ Church in Nashville, TN, with Pastor L.N. Hardwick; Free Chapel in Gainesville, GA, with Pastor Jentzen Franklin; Times Square Church with Pastor David Wilkerson. (Having listed these large and well-known churches, it is important to note that Campus Choir values the opportunity to sing and minister in the smallest churches as eagerly as the largest.
Power Unlimited, whose members are selected from the choir, was formed for the express purpose of combining music and missions. In 1990 Power Unlimited became the first Christian musical group to minister in the Eastern Bloc countries of Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The videotape that was produced on that trip has been seen around the world. Power Unlimited made a second trip to those same countries in 1991, teaming up with international evangelist Perry Stone for a series of crusades. In 1992 Power Unlimited traveled to the Island of Trinidad for a series of concerts and a music seminar.
In 1993 Campus Choir made its first missionary journey to Greece and Bulgaria where they performed with Radio and Television Orchestra of Bulgaria in a concert in the National Palace with soloist Phil Driscoll. The concert was, at the request of the overseer, Pavel Ignatov, a combination of classical and gospel music. The same trip featured an outdoor concert on National Culture day for an audience of 15,000 to 20,000 people. Following the concert, the choir and the leadership of the Church of God in Bulgaria had dinner with Juan Carlos, the King of Spain and Sophia his wife, The Queen of Greece. Subsequent mission trips have included Jamaica, Israel, Ireland, Wales, England, the Navaho Reservation in New Mexico, Ecuador, the Caribbean islands, Guatemala, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The choir has recorded a number of musical albums, including their first gospel album, Premier Edition. In 1984 we were given the opportunity to record a new Christmas project written by Lanny Wolfe, Sing Noel. Our first album with a companion video album was Let the Church Rise, with guest artist Judy Jacobs. Gabriel’s Song, A Christmas Musical written by David Horton and Michael Frazier was our most ambitious project to that point. It featured guest soloist Alvin Slaughter as the angel Gabriel. While recording Gabriel’s Song, Alvin Slaughter asked the choir to help him record his first album with Integrity Music, Revive Us Again. Short after that recording we had the opportunity to be a part of the choir for Ron Kenoly’s recording, Sing Out with One Voice. Tree of Light for Brentwood Music, God’s Glorious Church for Royal Tapestry followed in short order. JOY! has been one of our most popular albums and it continues to sell well to this day. Other albums and projects include Jubilee; the Year of God’s Favor with Spirit Sound Music, and Times of Refreshing with SpiritSound Music. And a recording is by Power Unlimited, Through the Fire. Then the choir recorded the project The Comforter Has Come, which combined the extraordinary arranging talents of Lee University graduate Bradley Knight. A live video recording of this project, performed at the North Cleveland Church of God, was done to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Azuza Street Revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Then, under Pastor Jim Phillips’ direction, Campus Choir recorded Can’t Stop Praisin’, Exceedingly Abundantly, and Relentless Worship. All three are powerful anointed projects that demonstrate the “flat out” worship of Campus Choir.
Campus Choir and Power Unlimited have had the opportunity to perform with such outstanding gospel musicians as Steve Brock, the Crabb Family, Dino, Michael English, Joy Gardiner, Lari Goss, Natalie Grant, Danniebelle Hall, Larnell Harris, Mark Harris of 4Him, Judy Jacobs, Ron Kenoly, Babbie Mason, Donnie McClurken, Gary McSpadden, Gary Oliver, Alvin Slaughter, The Talley’s, the Lanny Wolfe Trio, and Vicki Yohi.
Video recording include: Let the Church Rise with guest artist Judy Jacobs; Mission Bulgaria: Live from Sophia, Bulgaria (Yes, this is the one); Gabriel’s Song: A Christmas Musical with guest artist Alvin Slaughter; Sing Out: With One Voice recorded with Ron Kenoly for Integrity Music; Praise, Worship, and GLORY recorded live at Central Baptist.
From 1997 to 2002 Campus Choir ministered at a series of Church of God youth events called WINTERFEST. Campus Choir members will never forget that first Winterfest in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They were all so excited. Many of the choir members had attended Winterfests many times and found it almost hard to believe that they would be on stage singing to so many young people. They had prayed for God to give a real breakthrough; in point-of-fact, four of the last six rehearsals had turned into prayer meetings. It was the second of two performances that night. The last song was Lead Me, Lord, and as Campus Choir sang the last a cappella section, the young people began to run to the altar. In a matter of a few minutes the entire audience was kneeling and praying all over the auditorium. God had given a breakthrough that cannot be described. Do it again, Lord! In 2006, Campus Choir was once again invited to sing at the Smokey Mountain Winterfest in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Over the last several years Campus Choir and Power Unlimited have had the opportunity to appear on Celebration on the Daystar Network with Marcus and Joni Lamb, Praise the Lord with Dr. Paul Crouch and International Evangelist, Perry Stone on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), and Camp meeting Live with David and Barbara Cerullo the Inspiration Network (INSP).
Dr. Horton’s wife, Virginia, has been central to this ministry over the past 25 years performing on recording projects, working with students both in sectionals and on an individual basis and has been a constant supporter of the ministry of Campus Choir. She truly is the first lady of vocal music at Lee University.
On May 8, 2006 while on tour with Campus Choir to the Bahamas, Dr. David Horton, direct of Campus Choir for the past 25 years was called home by the Savior to his eternal reward. The last performance by Campus Choir for the 2005/2006 School year was Dr. Horton’s memorial service, held Saturday, May 13th at the North Cleveland Church of God. Tributes were made by students, faculty, colleagues, and friends. Central to this tribute was the singing of the choir of The Comforter Has Come, Lord You’re Holy, and Total Praise. Dr. Horton’s legacy of teaching others how to utilize music in Praise and worship and that of living a life solely dedicated to ministry will forever go forward in the lives of all the students he mentored in his many years as director of Campus Choir.
In July 2006, Dr. Mark Bailey was appointed director of Campus Choir by Paul Conn, President of Lee University. Dr. Conn wrote in the official announcement of this appointment that,
Dr. Bailey’s ministry and career parallels Dr. Horton’s in many important respects. Like Dr. Horton, Dr. Bailey did his doctoral work in music education, and both had extensive experience with church choirs. Dr. Bailey has a wonderful vision for heartfelt worship in music. He understands what it means to listen to the voice of God, and his primary focus has always been to use music to lead people to God’s throne in worship.
In May 2007, Pastor Jim Phillips was appointed by Dr. Conn as director of Campus Choir. As Music Pastor at Princeton Pike Church of God for 30 years, Pastor Jim developed a reputation as being a powerful worshipper with the God-given gift of leading those involved in his ministry, along with the congregation, into God’s presence in a powerful way. The anointing on his life has also been developed and displayed in writing and arranging.
During Pastor Jim’s first semester with Campus Choir, the choir celebrated their 50th reunion. During a worship service in that reunion, God established that He had orchestrated and directed the appointment of this director. Virginia “Mama” Horton gave a powerful WORD from the Lord and her personal endorsement of Pastor Jim and Johnna as the new directors of Campus Choir stating that the Lord had told her he was sending Joshua to carry the torch after Moses was gone.
Pastor Jim and Johnna’s desire, along with the past and present members of Campus Choir, was to perpetuate the legacy and calling and anointing that God placed on this group through the powerful leadership of Dr. David and Virginia Horton.
During Pastor Jim’s time with Campus Choir, the choir traveled on two medical missionary trips to Ecuador and one to Guatemala, a mission trip to the Caribbean islands, Ireland, Scotland and England, a summer tour on the North East Coast, a mission trip to the British Virgin Islands, and to Thailand and Indonesia where they were guests for Empower21Asia.
The Fall of 2020 brought much challenge around our world with the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, during this time the next shift occurred in the leadership of Campus Choir. A new faculty member to Lee University, but not one new to worshipful and passionate worship choirs, Dr. Luke Gambill was installed as the next director of Campus Choir. After close to 20 years full-time creating worship choir resources for the church and also as an arranger and choir director, Dr. Gambill, a 3rd generation COG “preachers’ kid,” has brought his years of experience and musical excellence to Campus Choir. During his first semester, during the pandemic when we could not travel, a three-song EP was recorded in Nashville and on campus, and an acapella Christmas arrangement was both recorded and a video filmed. To date, this acapella video had been viewed approximately 17,000+ times, was featured on Chattanooga’s Channel 9, as well as its audio and the EP all available through the major streaming and download services. Even through the challenges, it has been apparent that God is far from through with Campus Choir. Our rich story in worshipful song continues!
Power Unlimited is a small worship leading ensemble out of Campus Choir representing Lee University. Traveling all around to various church camps and church events, PU exists for music and missions, seeking to exalt Jesus Christ through music.
Dates Coming Soon!
For over sixty years, Campus Choir has been a Christ-centered auditioned touring choir, performing at the university as well as across the Eastern United States and international venues. Within Campus Choir is Power Unlimited, a traveling worship-based ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists.
If you are interested in booking Campus Choir or Power Unlimited for your service or event, or have any general questions at all, please contact the director, Rhea Marshall, at [email protected].
At the beginning of every semester, Campus Choir will hold auditions for prospective members. We ask that you come prepared with a song of your choosing (preferably a worship song or hymn). As an additional part of the musical portion of the audition, we will ask you to do some pitch matching, as well as determine your vocal range. Last, there will be a Spiritual Life interview to hear about your Christian walk and what worship means to you.
If you have questions about the audition process, or any general questions at all, please contact the director, Rhea Marshall, at [email protected].
In addition to traveling many weekends and to other events, our regular rehearsals are MWF at 12:20pm-1:10pm. Additionally, Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 are set aside for sectionals, and Wednesdays from 5:45-7:15 are set aside for prayer meetings.
For students planning to pursue careers as music teachers, choral directors, or band/orchestra directors in elementary and secondary schools, this degree provides the pedagogical and musical training necessary for effective careers in education. The program meets the Tennessee Department of Education’s requirements for K-12 music education certification.
Applied Music Study: Music study at Lee includes individual concentration in an applied performance area including piano, voice, guitar, strings, percussion, and all wind instruments. This is provided through private instruction on the specific instrument throughout the course of the degree program. Performance is also emphasized through experiences in instrumental and/or vocal ensembles and chamber music opportunities.
HUB
The Capstone course is designed to help graduating students integrate their faith with the academic knowledge they have gained throughout their studies. It is regarded as the final reflection of the essential Core Values of Lee University.
Each graduate of the School of Music completes a culminating project that aligns with the purposes and goals of the specific degree program. Students completing the Bachelor of Music Education will perform a 30-minute senior recital.
Performance is at the heart of the experience in the School of Music. This takes the form of solo performance opportunities, ensemble performances, ministry tours, and opportunities to attend recitals both on campus and in the community. The university provides exceptional musical experience on campus each semester including:
Weekly Performance Seminar
Lee University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM has been recognized by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation of all music curricula.
This Bachelor of Science degree provides multi-disciplinary instruction to students desiring careers in artist management, promotion, publication, song-writing, or as a studio musician or entrepreneur in the music industry. This program combines coursework in the School of Music, the School of Business, and Department of Communication Arts to provide the student with well-rounded training and experience, setting a path for success.
Applied Music Study: Music study at Lee includes individual concentration in an applied performance area including piano, voice, guitar, strings, percussion, and all wind instruments. This is provided through private instruction on the specific instrument throughout the course of the degree program. Performance is also emphasized through experiences in instrumental and/or vocal ensembles and chamber music opportunities.
HUB
The Capstone course is designed to help graduating students integrate their faith with the academic knowledge they have gained throughout their studies. It is regarded as the final reflection of the essential Core Values of Lee University.
The School of Music operates in teaching and performance spaces around campus. As a music major each student has the opportunity to study and perform in wonderful surroundings including:
Although all of the music degrees incorporate practical application and extensive performance opportunities as soloist and ensemble members, some of the degree programs have specific requirements that provide dedicated experience in the field.
Each graduate of the School of Music completes a culminating project that aligns with the purposes and goals of the specific degree program.
Performance is at the heart of the experience in the School of Music. This takes the form of solo performance opportunities, ensemble performances, ministry tours, and opportunities to attend recitals both on campus and in the community. The university provides exceptional musical experience on campus each semester including:
Weekly Performance Seminar
Lee University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM has been recognized by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation of all music curricula.
Amount: $4000
In order to qualify to apply for the Ashley Soulé Conroy Study Abroad Scholarship, applicant must be a U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate in a U.S. 4- year college or university. Applicants must also have at least 30 hours of completed undergraduate credit by the time of the study abroad term’s start date and intend to study abroad in a program that is outside of the U.S. and be enrolling in a study abroad term (the days that you are actually enrolled in classes abroad) that is no shorter than 14 weeks. Summer applicants will not be considered unless their academic term abroad is longer than 14 weeks, in which case they should apply for the Spring semester scholarship. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at their current institution, verifiable on their transcript is required. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Amount: $5000
The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.
Boren Scholarships
Amount: $20000
Boren Scholarships, a prestigious initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. High school graduates, GED recipients and matriculated undergraduate students may apply for the scholarship. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.
Critical Language Scholarship
Amount: Variable
Half the fun of going abroad is learning a language, and this grant from the U.S. Department of State is there to support aspiring linguists abroad. Even if you can only go abroad for a brief time, the CLS Program is perfect as it funds U.S. undergraduate and graduate students for “overseas language and cultural immersion programs,” specifically during the summer months. Check if your language of interest is eligible and then apply to get that funding to dive deep into your studies abroad.
David-Putter Scholarship Fund
Amount: Max of $15000
If you’re passionate about social justice and plan to continue your commitment to your community activism values while abroad, then the Davis-Putter Scholarship is a perfect opportunity to fund both your studies in the USA and abroad. Engaging in social change while abroad is an amazing way to immerse in the local community and go beyond being a tourist in your destination of choice. Look for programs that align with your social issue interests and then share your passion with the Davis-Putter Fund to gain the grant to make it happen!
Diversity Abroad Achievement Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Each semester, AIFS offers up to 10 semester scholarships of USD 1000 to outstanding students from under-represented groups. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement and/or participate in community service activities.
Facebook Advertising Scholarship
Amount: $2500
AdvertiseMint is very excited to let you know that we are offering a $2,500 scholarship for creative students that show entrepreneurial characteristics. We would love to make the application for this scholarship available to your students. Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be within the ages of 18 to 25. Applicant must be currently enrolled at an accredited high school, college or university in the United States by selection date or enrolled at an accredited high school, college or university in the United States during the time of submission. Students must create a video pitch for a company they would like to start. Applicant must submit application through our online form.
Fund For Education Abroad
Amount: Up To $10000
The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.
Owner Direct Vacation Rentals Study Away Scholarship
Amount: $500
Eligible students should submit an original 600-800 word essay in PDF format to [email protected] describing why travel is important between Jul 1 – Aug 31, 2021. Essays will be judged based on the following: content, creativity, inspiration and style. One essay per entrant only. Please include your name, college or university at which you are enrolled at full time, mailing address, email address and documentation of current or upcoming college or university program
The Scott’s Cheap Flights Study Abroad Scholarship
Amount: $1000
The Scott’s Cheap Flights is awarding a US$1,000-worth study abroad scholarship. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who enrolled at an accredited higher education program in the United States and will be acquiring education abroad as part of the program
Toptal Scholarships for Women; Empowering Future Female Leaders to Change the World
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Are you dreaming of studying abroad and experiencing other cultures overseas but can’t do so because of a tight student budget? Twice a year, Tortuga Backpacks offers students a chance to live their dream through a study abroad scholarship funded by the company’s customers when they purchase luggage. The scholarship awardee will receive a 1000 USD scholarship which will be sent directly to the student’s study abroad program of choice and 1 awesome Tortuga Travel Backpack. To apply, read all the instructions and eligibility requirements on their website’s scholarship page and fill out the application form at the bottom. Only one submission per person is allowed. Please check our website for submission deadlines and the announcement of the winner. The winner will be featured on our blog and social media accounts.