Lafayette Campus News (www.lafayette.edu), November 20, 2007 — History major Paul Sommers ’09 (Wenonah, N.J.) was recently invited to participate in the Collegiate Honor Choir at the Eastern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Sommers is one of 32 total choir members, 16 of which are men. Students from eight states auditioned.
The conference, “Pathways to the Heart,” will be held in Hartford, Conn., from Feb. 13-16, 2008 at the Hartford Convention Center. The Collegiate Honors Choir rehearses for three days and then performs in a culmination concert on the final day of the convention.
This year, the choir will be conducted by William Weinert, professor of conducting and Director of Choral Activities at the Eastman School of Music.
“Competition was stiff. Paul was selected by the judges because of his vocal quality, quick learning, musicality, and attention to mastering detail,” explained Jennifer Kelly, assistant professor of music, who has worked with Sommers in the Concert Choir for three semesters.
“Paul has a strong work ethic and he knows how to use his musical strengths. Although singing comes naturally to him, he still takes it to the next level to learn the skills of musicianship and vocal technique.”
As far as Kelly knows, Sommers is the first Lafayette student to perform in the ACDA Collegiate Honors Choir.
In high school, Sommers participated in three New Jersey All-State choirs and two All-Eastern choirs and he is looking forward to the convention.
“I had an amazing time at these events and wanted to see if I could make this choir on a collegiate level. I'm really excited to sing in this group,” says Sommers.
On campus, Sommers serves as the co-musical director of Soulfege, the co-ed a cappella group. He also serves as a tour guide, an orientation leader, and a member of the Family Weekend committee, Lafayette Leadership Education, and Experience Lafayette Day committees. Sommers has performed in three musicals on campus and will be playing the role of Mr. Wickham in College Theater’s production of Pride and Prejudice this March. He also writes sports articles for The Lafayette.
After graduation, Sommers plans to attend law school and focus on special education law.
