All Saints Choir Wins Big At Smoky Mountain Music Festival

The award-winning Singing Saints’ Choir from All Saints’ Episcopal School competed for the fifth year at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival, placing first in the Youth Choir Division. Competing against a variety of choirs from across the country, the choir not only placed first, but also received superior ratings in all categories for their performance. The fifty-five members choir, representing first through eighth grade, performed “Singing Freedom’s Song,” “Bwana Awabariki with Kumbaya,” and “Happiness Runs.” Under the direction of All Saints’ Music Instructor Lee Allen Dalton, students shared the joy of success after a year of commitment and practice. “I am very proud of our Singing Saints’ Choir and their excellent performance at Smoky Mountain Musical Festival this year,” states Dalton. “We value the fine arts at All Saints’ Episcopal School, and I am thrilled watching the continued growth of our choir each year.”

Mark Workman, Head of School at All Saints’, shared in choir’s excitement of the results, stating his thoughts on why the choir continues to grow and flourish. “Lee Allen is an exceptional music instructor who constantly challenges these students. He is also a wonderful Christian leader and role model for these children,” shares Workman. “How can our students not succeed when our music program’s leadership and experience continue to strive for the highest standard?”

Singing Saints’ began as an extra-curricular program for All Saints’ students eight years ago under the direction of past Music Instructor, Katy Davidson. The choir originated as a fourth through eighth grade program, but strong interest from younger students grew a junior division (first through third grade) by its second year. The choirs merged as one by year four. Students practice weekly, perform at all school programs, and have performed at such events as local Christmas and Easter programs, local Veteran’s Day programs, and many businesses, civic clubs, and retirement communities.

The Smoky Mountain Music Festival was established in 1983. Though the choir has a strong history of superior ratings and top placings, Mr. Dalton acknowledges their purpose is far bigger. “God is the giver of song, and how wonderful it is to see our students using singing to glorify God and bless our community and compete at Festival,” stated Dalton. Mr. Dalton has lead the Music program at All Saints’ for two years and is the Minister of Music at Buffalo Trail Baptist Church.

The Singing Saints’ Choir closed out their season with an end of year concert hosted at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Dalton offered thanks to the school, parents, and faculty

for all their support. He also acknowledged thanks to the ten graduating eighth grade students participating in the choir this school year.

All Saints’ Episcopal School is conveniently located off Highway 160 at 3275 Maple Valley Road. The office is open during the summer Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Music is one of the many weekly enrichment classes offered to students in Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade as part of the full learning experience the school provides. To learn more about the Singing Saints’, the exemplary education offered at All Saints’, or to schedule a personal tour call 423-586-3280, or visit www.asestn.org.