Dr. Michelle Folta

Dr. Michelle Folta is a professor of choral/general music education at Columbus State University and the artistic director for the Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus. Graduates of Dr. Folta have pursued excellence after earning their degrees. Several have earned the title of Teacher of the Year on their campuses and have been named finalists for their district’s top educator award. Other graduate accolades include the GA-ACDA Young Director Award and performances at GMEA. 

The Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus has achieved excellence under Dr. Folta's direction. VOV has performed internationally, at the GMEA conference, and the ACDA Southern Conference. In 2026, the choir will debut at Carnegie Hall! 

 Dr. Folta has served as the guest clinician for a variety of honor choruses across the state and nation. In addition, she has served as an adjudicator for state-wide festivals and contests and serves on the GA-ACDA board of directors as the Repertoire and Resources Chair for Children’s Choirs and is President-Elect. Dr. Folta was named a finalist for the 2021 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Award, was also the recipient of Columbus State University's Faculty Service Award, and named Columbus and the Valley's 5 Under 40. 

Dr. Kellie Clark 

Kellie Clark has enjoyed more than twenty years as a choral music educator. Dr. Clark taught in the public school system at the middle school and high school levels in KY and GA as well as in several university appointments. She is currently serving as Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education at the University of Southern Mississippi where she teaches choral methods courses and oversees student teachers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education from Morehead State University, a master’s degree in vocal performance from Miami University, Ohio, and a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky. Under her direction, Dr. Clark’s choirs have performed in concerts and assessment events at the state and regional level, including an appearance at the 2016 KMEA State Convention. Her personal accomplishments include the C3 Award of Excellence in Education and selection as Kentucky Teacher of the Year in 2018.