Our Story
A Thriving Musical Tradition
In the early 2000s, inspired by a local performance of Handel's Messiah, a group from Unity Presbyterian Church-Jeff and Pat Coffey, Joe Lampron, and Bill Gronning-founded the East Lincoln Community Chorus (ELCC). The group debuted in December 2003 with a performance of Handel's Messiah, featuring fifty-nine singers. ELCC steadily grew in reputation, attracting both singers and audiences who share a deep love for choral music. Today, our members come from all backgrounds, united by a passion for music and community. Weekly rehearsals and seasonal concerts are a joyful commitment, and there's nothing quite like the harmony of voices and the smiles from our audiences.
Growing in Musical Excellence
Since its founding, ELCC has expanded its artistic vision, evolving from sacred masterworks to a diverse repertoire that includes classical, Broadway, spirituals, folk, and contemporary music. This variety engages audiences of all tastes and challenges singers with dynamic programming. Performances are hosted by local churches such as Unity Presbyterian, Denver United Methodist, and The Cove. The all-volunteer chorus is united by a deep love for music and has been shaped by seven conductors over the years. Notably, Cheryl Barker directed 19 of the group's 31 performances between 2011 and 2023. Longtime accompanist, Jeff Perks, played a vital role in 27 concerts with his exceptional musicianship. Currently, Dustin Stamey, after leading four previous programs, serves as Conductor alongside Accompanist & Assistant Conductor, David Wilcox. ELCC is guided by a dedicated Executive Board, whose efforts in planning, publicity, and logistics ensure each concert's success. Together, they uphold ELCC's commitment to musical excellence and community enrichment through choral performance.
Where does ELCC get the money to pay all our show-related expenses? It’s magic—well, almost! All the funds needed for sheet music, program printing, banners, and more—as well as compensation for our Director, Accompanist, and any guest musicians—come from patrons, sponsors, and the beloved “Magic Box.” The tradition began in 2007 when the chorus performed Believe! The Magic of Christmas, followed later by a summer show titled Cinemagic. At one of these performances, a clear box was placed in the lobby for donations and affectionately dubbed the Magic Box. The name stuck—and so did the generosity. It’s been a kind of magic ever since: thanks to the incredible support from our audiences, the Magic Box continues to help make our music possible.
In the early 2000s, inspired by a local performance of Handel's Messiah, a group from Unity Presbyterian Church-Jeff and Pat Coffey, Joe Lampron, and Bill Gronning-founded the East Lincoln Community Chorus (ELCC). The group debuted in December 2003 with a performance of Handel's Messiah, featuring fifty-nine singers. ELCC steadily grew in reputation, attracting both singers and audiences who share a deep love for choral music. Today, our members come from all backgrounds, united by a passion for music and community. Weekly rehearsals and seasonal concerts are a joyful commitment, and there's nothing quite like the harmony of voices and the smiles from our audiences.
Growing in Musical Excellence
Since its founding, ELCC has expanded its artistic vision, evolving from sacred masterworks to a diverse repertoire that includes classical, Broadway, spirituals, folk, and contemporary music. This variety engages audiences of all tastes and challenges singers with dynamic programming. Performances are hosted by local churches such as Unity Presbyterian, Denver United Methodist, and The Cove. The all-volunteer chorus is united by a deep love for music and has been shaped by seven conductors over the years. Notably, Cheryl Barker directed 19 of the group's 31 performances between 2011 and 2023. Longtime accompanist, Jeff Perks, played a vital role in 27 concerts with his exceptional musicianship. Currently, Dustin Stamey, after leading four previous programs, serves as Conductor alongside Accompanist & Assistant Conductor, David Wilcox. ELCC is guided by a dedicated Executive Board, whose efforts in planning, publicity, and logistics ensure each concert's success. Together, they uphold ELCC's commitment to musical excellence and community enrichment through choral performance.
Where does ELCC get the money to pay all our show-related expenses? It’s magic—well, almost! All the funds needed for sheet music, program printing, banners, and more—as well as compensation for our Director, Accompanist, and any guest musicians—come from patrons, sponsors, and the beloved “Magic Box.” The tradition began in 2007 when the chorus performed Believe! The Magic of Christmas, followed later by a summer show titled Cinemagic. At one of these performances, a clear box was placed in the lobby for donations and affectionately dubbed the Magic Box. The name stuck—and so did the generosity. It’s been a kind of magic ever since: thanks to the incredible support from our audiences, the Magic Box continues to help make our music possible.
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Dustin B. Stamey - Conductor & Artistic Director
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education with concentrations in both Instrumental and Choral Music from Western Carolina University in 2003, Mr. Stamey accepted the Director of Bands position at East Lincoln High School where he led the band to numerous accolades until 2011. He remains involved as the Program Coordinator for the marching band at ELHS and is a local and regional adjudicator today. In 2013, he received his Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies from Gardner-Webb University and served as a school administrator in Catawba and Lincoln County Schools from 2011-2020. |
Currently, he is the of Head of Learning & Development, North America for ISS Facility Services, Inc. In addition to his instrumental background, he served 13 years as Choir Director at Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, NC from 2008-2021. He has previously led the East Lincoln Community Chorus as Conductor in 2008, 2013, 2017 and 2023. He is a proud, life-long resident of Lincoln County and resides in Denver, NC with his daughter, Hensleigh.
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David Wilcox - Assistant Conductor & Accompanist
David Wilcox is a seasoned Music Director and Accompanist with extensive experience leading church and community choirs. His choirs have performed by invitation at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) South Carolina conference. |
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A former president of the Atlanta Chapter Choristers Guild, he is also a member of the Executive Board for the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He serves as Director of Music & Organist for The Episcopal Church of St. Peter by-the-Lake in Denver. In addition to his conducting responsibilities, David taught music at Mercer University Atlanta, Anderson University, and Erskine College as adjunct instructor. He is an alumnus of Brevard College, Queens University of Charlotte, and Bob Jones University. David has previously led the East Lincoln Community Chorus as Conductor in 2024 and his dedication to excellence in choral music continues to inspire both performers and audiences alike.
