Union College’s three choral groups — Union Singers, Union Harmony, and the Regional Chorus — have been rehearsing since the second week of January. On February 14 at 8 p.m., they will perform in Conway Boatman Chapel for Union’s first in-person Valentine’s Concert since 2020. 

“I’m thrilled it’s back,” says choral director and Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Virginia Gay Gandy.

The concert is free and open to the public and will feature a variety of love songs for all ages. Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Yukiko Fujimura and Mrs. Kathy Smith, of Barbourville, will provide piano accompaniment.

For the concert, Gandy has prepared a selection of love songs from different decades. The program will include “I’ll Be Seeing You,” recorded by Bing Crosby in 1944; “Never My Love,” popularized by The Association in 1967; “A Thousand Years,” from the recent Twilight Saga movies; and many more. It’s important to Gandy to provide an opportunity for all ages to come together and enjoy the evening.

“These concerts are a communal experience,” she says, noting that they are not just for the campus community but for the people of Barbourville and surrounding areas, as well.

Senior Makynzie Miller has been part of both Union Singers and Union Harmony since her first semester. She says Dr. Gandy’s passion for what she does has inspired her own love and appreciation for conducting. “Especially during concerts, I can’t help but watch how the music affects her.”

“Choral is my thing,” Gandy says. Gandy completed both her master’s and doctoral degrees in choral music. Gandy began at Union in 2002, continuing the school’s strong tradition of choral excellence.

Junior Jonathon Mills grew up in Barbourville and has been part of Union Singers since his first semester. He says it is an honor to be part of this group and sing with “some of the most talented singers” he has ever been around.

When Gandy began the concert in 2008, she did not intend it to be an annual event, she said, just “something new and novel to offer the campus and community.” That first concert was so successful that it continued yearly until pandemic precautions put it on hold.

Miller is especially thankful that the choral program has been able to return to in-person concerts for her last year at Union. “It’s always fun to see some faces light up when they hear a song they love,” she says.

Junior Macy Yother looks forward to showing friends and family what the choirs have been working on. “Every piece that is going to be performed is beautiful, and I am excited for everyone to finally get to hear them!” she says. Yother has been part of the choral program since her freshman year, as well.

Interested in joining Union’s Choral Program? Here’s how:

• Union Singers is open to all current Union students. Any student can simply register for the group as they would for any other class, and they will receive a grade and academic credit for their participation.

• Union Harmony is a highly select ensemble of eight to 10 students invited to audition by Dr. Gandy. Members receive grades and academic credit for being part of this group, as well.

• The Regional Chorus is open to anyone in Barbourville and surrounding areas who wants to sing. Some members have been singing with the group for over 20 years, and some are as young as 12 and 15. To participate in the Regional Chorus's Spring Concert, come to their first rehearsal following the Valentine Concert on Tuesday, February 21st, 7 p.m. in Conway Boatman Chapel. No audition required for this group, just an interest in singing!

To learn more about Union’s choral program, contact Dr. Virginia Gay Gandy at (606) 546-1441.