Our Staff
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Dr. Michelle Herring Folta, Artistic DirectorDr. Michelle Herring Folta is the assistant professor of choral/general music education at Columbus State University and the artistic director for the Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus. Dr. Folta earned her Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Previous degrees include a bachelor’s degree in Music Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas.
Prior to graduate work, Dr. Folta taught middle school choir for eight years in Austin, Texas, where she was recognized as “Teacher of the Year.” While teaching in the public schools, Dr. Folta was instrumental in transforming her campus into a Fine Arts Academy, preventing the school from possible closure. Her choirs received consistent superior ratings in festivals and contests during her tenure as well as many opportunities to perform with community choruses and religious organizations. The Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus has achieved excellence under Dr. Folta's direction. Voices of the Valley has been selected to perform with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, for the West Georgia Choral Society’ Choral Festival in LaGrange, Georgia, the Columbus Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker, and the Columbus State University Wind Ensemble. The choir performed their first international choir tour in Norwich, England in July, 2018 and were selected to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in January, 2019. Dr. Folta continues to be an active member in the choral music community as a clinician and performer having performed in choral organizations such as Conspriare (Austin, Texas) and the Dallas Symphony Chorus (Dallas, Texas). She currently performs with the St. Thomas Episcopal Choir, under the direction of Rick McKnight. Dr. Folta has served as the guest clinician for the Region 18 Tenor/Bass Choir in Austin, Texas, the West Georgia Choral Festival, the GMEA Statewide Sixth Grade Honor Chorus, and the GMEA Muscogee County Middle School Chorus, as well as local middle schools and high schools in the Chattahoochee Valley. In addition, she has served as an adjudicator for state-wide festivals and contests and as a guest lecturer at Iowa State University, the University of North Texas, and Georgia State University. Dr. Folta has presented research in a variety of state, national, and international venues, including Texas Music Educators Association conference, the Florida Music Educators Association conference, the Georgia Music Educators Association conference, the National Association for Music Education conference, the Society for Music Teacher Education conference, the Race, Ethnicity, and Place conference, and the Narrative Inquiry in Music Education conference. Additionally, she has published research articles in state, national, and international music journals. She recently published a book chapter titled "You Have Got To Them," in Feather Boas, Black Hoodies, and John Deere Hats (Sense Publishing). Dr. Folta and her husband, Zach, reside in Columbus, Georgia with their daughter Lena and their dog, Tex. |
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Sam Brown, AccompanistSam Brown has played the piano since age five. He took violin lessons and participated in a youth orchestra during his early school years but realized in high school that his true love was piano. In 2015 he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Bob Jones University, where he won the annual commencement contest in 2012 and served as a student accompanist. During his time at BJU Sam sang in the graded choral program and developed a love for choirs. In his last year as a piano accompanist he performed with Eliezer Yanson and the University Singers on Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. His teachers include Maureen Penix, Peter Davis, Norman Krieger, and Alexander Kobrin. Sam is currently in his second year of a master's degree at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music where he serves as the accompanist for Choral Union, under the direction of Constantina Tsolainou, and Voices of the Valley, under the direction of Dr. Michelle Herring-Folta.
In late February 2017, Sam collaborated with the Choral Union in John's Creek, Georgia on a concert featuring works by Ola Gjeilo, and in early March he gave a lecture recital on The Seasons Op. 37b by P.I. Tchaikovsky. In addition to his studies and collaborative work, Sam teaches private piano lessons at the Schwob Music Preparatory Division where he teaches over 25 students of all ages and ability levels. Sam and his wife Sarah live in Columbus, Georgia. |
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Olivia McWaters, assistant DirectorOlivia McWaters is a recent graduate of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University where she received a degree in music education. Olivia was a student at the Schwob School of Music for four years where she performed in multiple vocal ensembles, recitals, vocal competitions, and played principal roles in two operas.
Olivia has been active in her community through music education including being a guest clinician for the Wynnton Arts Academy's Fine Arts Day in 2018, leading performances with Voices of the Valley such as Keyboards for Kenya, and performing in musical community outreach experiences with Schwob's Opera Theatre. Olivia has been with Voices of the Valley since August of 2015 where she worked alongside Dr. Folta to build the program. She started as a volunteer and has been promoted through Undergraduate Assistant, Senior Staff Member, and is now proud to be the Assistant Director of Voices of the Valley. As Assistant Director, she directs the newest choir, Prima Voce. She will direct them on their upcoming tour in May throughout the Atlanta area. Olivia is from LaGrange, Georgia but currently resides in Columbus, Georgia with her fiance Brandon and her two dogs, Roxy and Valerie. |
EMILY MOORE, UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT
Emily Moore is a Junior at Columbus State University studying Music Education with a focus in choir. Emily grew up in Douglasville, GA and attended Chapel Hill High School. This is Emily’s third year with Voices of the Valley. She has been apart of the Columbus State Opera department, helped with the Schwob Summer Music Festival, and has been a member of the Columbus State University Singers, Choral Union, and Chamber Singers. “I have loved every second being apart of the VOV family and I can not wait to see what all the choir does! These kids are so talented and kind, It is an honor to be apart of this staff.”
Emily Moore is a Junior at Columbus State University studying Music Education with a focus in choir. Emily grew up in Douglasville, GA and attended Chapel Hill High School. This is Emily’s third year with Voices of the Valley. She has been apart of the Columbus State Opera department, helped with the Schwob Summer Music Festival, and has been a member of the Columbus State University Singers, Choral Union, and Chamber Singers. “I have loved every second being apart of the VOV family and I can not wait to see what all the choir does! These kids are so talented and kind, It is an honor to be apart of this staff.”
JOSHUA BUTLER, UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT
Joshua Butler is currently a junior at Columbus State University majoring in Music Education. Growing up, Joshua lived in Newnan, GA where he attending East Coweta High School. Being heavily involved with the theatre and the musical aspects of the fine arts, it was very easy for him to forge the dream of both teaching and creating a safe haven for all to enter. He joined Voices of the Valley early November of the last school year. There, he found his new family in which he intends to help nurture and grow in any way he can.
Joshua Butler is currently a junior at Columbus State University majoring in Music Education. Growing up, Joshua lived in Newnan, GA where he attending East Coweta High School. Being heavily involved with the theatre and the musical aspects of the fine arts, it was very easy for him to forge the dream of both teaching and creating a safe haven for all to enter. He joined Voices of the Valley early November of the last school year. There, he found his new family in which he intends to help nurture and grow in any way he can.
BRANDON THARP, UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT
Brandon Tharp is a sophomore at CSU and the Schwob School of Music and was born in Hastings, MN and currently resides in Griffin, GA. He is pursuing a Bachelor in Music Education. Brandon has had roles in both the Schwob Operas (you would have seen him as Triathlon Dan and Prince Charming.) Brandon is an avid Atlanta and Minnesota sports fan, loves the outdoors, and spending time with friends.
Brandon Tharp is a sophomore at CSU and the Schwob School of Music and was born in Hastings, MN and currently resides in Griffin, GA. He is pursuing a Bachelor in Music Education. Brandon has had roles in both the Schwob Operas (you would have seen him as Triathlon Dan and Prince Charming.) Brandon is an avid Atlanta and Minnesota sports fan, loves the outdoors, and spending time with friends.
CASSIDI JACKSON
Cassidi is a sophomore Music Education major with a choral focus at Columbus State University. Originally from Augusta, GA, Cassidi has participated in choir all her life. She is currently apart of the Columbus State University Singers, the Chamber Singers, and Choral Union. This is Cassidi's second semester volunteering with the Voices of the Valley.
Cassidi is a sophomore Music Education major with a choral focus at Columbus State University. Originally from Augusta, GA, Cassidi has participated in choir all her life. She is currently apart of the Columbus State University Singers, the Chamber Singers, and Choral Union. This is Cassidi's second semester volunteering with the Voices of the Valley.