The Stetson School of Music’s new choral director, Ryan Person, DMA, will lead the university’s Alumni Choir in a Homecoming Weekend performance of sacred music on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Elizabeth Hall’s Lee Chapel.

Festivities for members of the Alumni Choir will kick off with a meet-and-greet to welcome Person. Former conductor Timothy Peter, DMA, will also be on hand to visit with alumni during the reception in the Hollis Family Atrium of Presser Hall.

Person is continuing the choral tradition that Peter helped shape at Stetson. Peter served as Person’s mentor at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where Peter was a professor of music and head of the music department. “Stetson possesses a vibrant musical community and exceptional tradition of artistic excellence, and I look forward to continuing to serve its outstanding musicians well into the future,” Person said. “To follow Timothy Peter is a very special honor. Stetson’s legacy is strong, and I look forward to building upon the significant contributions of each of the university’s choral greats.”

The Vespers Service will begin at 5 p.m., with the choir performing three selections: “Deep River” by René Clausen, “Gloria” from Mass in G Major by Franz Schubert and the Stetson Alma Mater.

The service is free and open to the public.

–Deb Lovett