HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 26, 2011 – Three students from High Point University have had a busy summer belting out tunes throughout the Southeast as part of The Lake Junaluska Singers – an elite professional singing ensemble of 16 men and women.
James Brunson, Clint Cooper and Monyae Williamson mark the first HPU students ever accepted into the group, which is a United Methodist-affiliated choir that travels around the Southeast, including North Carolina and South Carolina, Virginia and Florida. HPU has more members in the group than any other school.
Brunson, a rising junior at HPU, says being a part of this group is one of the most challenging tasks he has ever taken on, but certainly has been rewarding.
“This ensemble has a lot of responsibilities and duties, but it’s all worth it, simply because we touch the lives of so many thankful people,” says Brunson. “When the people are encouraged and inspired, we feel such great joy and peace in return.”
Cooper, a 2011graduate of HPU, says this experience with the Lake Junaluska Singers is a continuation of the musical career he began at HPU.
“This opportunity is important to me not only because it is a demonstration of what I have learned and accomplished with my time at HPU, but a spiritual journey as well,” says Cooper, who graduated with a degree in psychology with minors in music and Spanish. “This has definitely helped me see that I can still participate and grow musically even after school.”
Williamson, a rising junior, says she feels truly honored and blessed to be given the opportunity to sing and worship with such a talented choir.
The group recorded a DVD and a CD over the summer as well. For more information about the group, visit http://www.lakejunaluska.com/singers/.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students from 51 countries and 46 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Forbes.com ranks HPU in the top 7 percent among “America’s Best Colleges.” Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. The university offers 50 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 14 graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.
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Pam Haynes
Communication Specialist
336-841-9055
[email protected]