Semenya McCord: vocalist/music educator/composer, earned her degree

in Music Education from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois in June, 1971.

McCord has performed throughout New England since 1975, developing

programs and facilitating residencies featuring spirituals, blues, and jazz for

audiences of all ages through the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young

Audiences of Massachusetts, Inc., and the New England Foundation for the

Arts. From 1991 to 2003, McCord taught "The Art of Rock & Roll" and

"Jazz: A Listener's Guide" at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

campus.

McCord returned home to Galesburg to assist her mother in the fall of

2003; however, she continues to perform, and also teach Jazz Voice at

Knox College. She was recognized with an Alumni Achievement Award by

Knox College in February, 2006. She completed her Masters degree in

Music at Northern Illinois University in May, 2006.

McCord was hired to teach General Music at Lombard Middle School in

Galesburg in 2008, expanding to direct the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choirs at

Churchill Jr. High School and Lombard, as well as assisting with Galesburg

High School choirs before her retirement in Spring 2020.

McCord currently serves Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church as a Steward and

Church Secretary, and certified “Evangelist” in the AME denomination,

speaking and singing in ministry as well as participating with the Galesburg

Area Ministerial Association.