Dr. Justen V. Seay, Sr. is a native of Detroit, MI. He attended Detroit Public Schools and was a member of the award-winning Commerce High School Choir under the direction of Ms. Sylvia Greenwood. After high school, he furthered his education at Central State University, where he sang in the internationally acclaimed Central State University Chorus, directed by Professor William Henry Caldwell. During his time in the CSU Chorus, he served as a student conductor and administrative assistant to the conductor, which deepened his passion for conducting and guided him toward a career in music education.

 

In 2008, Dr. Seay began his career as the music teacher and choir director at Columbus Humanities, Arts and Technology Academy, where his middle school choir earned 1st place at the Music in the Park Festival in Mason, OH. He subsequently conducted choral groups at Bogan Elementary School in Oxford, OH, Fairview PK-8 School in Dayton, OH, and Dunbar Early College High School in Dayton, OH. Beginning in 2018, he served as the Academic Coordinator for Fine and Performing Arts in Dayton Public Schools and is currently the Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Wilberforce University.

 

A classically trained tenor, Dr. Seay has performed with the Knox County Symphony (2nd Place Young Artist Competition), the MVNU Choral Union, The Columbus Symphony Chorus, and the Classical Roots Community Choir of Cincinnati. He has also appeared as a soloist with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and has undertaken various operatic roles, including "Aeneas" in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas and "Balthazar" in Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors with the MVNU Opera Workshop. His repertoire spans a range from classical to gospel.

 

Dr. Seay earned his Bachelor's in Music Education and his Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and he holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Walden University. He is currently pursuing an additional Master's Degree in Music Education from Boston University.

 

Dr. Seay attributes his success as a musician and educator to the unwavering support of his loving wife, Mrs. Tia Seay, and his sons, Deacon and Justen Jr. He has benefited from exceptional training and mentorship from renowned educators, including Prof. William H. Caldwell (Central State University), Dr. James A. Williams (Wilberforce University), and Ms. Sylvia Greenwood (Commerce High School). As he embarks on his 17th year in education, Dr. Seay is enthusiastic about leading the Wilberforce University Choral Program and looks forward to many years of creating beautiful music at this historic institution.