Who we are
Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus is a community barbershop choir at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Our mission is to bring the art of barbershop music to the Cullowhee community and build a strong culture and sense of appreciation of the artform to our members.
Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus aims to bring its members together through the shared love for singing and barbershop music while advocating for and spreading awareness about men's mental health.
FOUNDING
Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus was founded in August of 2025 by Caleb Todd for Western Carolina University's fall semester of that year. At the beginning of the year, quartets would perform around the school's campus and quickly interest built around the group.
Several prospective members gathered prior to the official founding for improvised "business meetings". These founding members pioneered the writing of our code of conduct, the ratification of our constitution, and the facilitation of Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus as an organization at Western Caolina University.
At the first official meeting, Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus stood at 25 members strong for our founding year rehearsing and performing in Cullowhee.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT CALEB TODD
Caleb Todd serves as the 2025 President of Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus. Caleb is from Lillington, North Carolina and is an Instrumental Music Education major at Western Carolina University.
Caleb is a member of WCU's Pride of the Mountains marching band where he serves as section leader as well as performing with the Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir. Caleb has also performed with the Watson Brass Band in Raleigh, North Carolina
SEARGANT AT ARMS Jackson Deutsch
Jackson serves as the 2025 Sergeant at Arms of Cullowhee Valley Men’s Chorus. Jackson is from Minnetonka, Minnesota and is a Cultural Anthropology major at Western Carolina University.
Jackson has been singing in and out of choirs and also indulges in hockey.
Concert Coordinator Alex Jolly
Alex Jolly serves as the 2025 Concert Coordinator of Cullowhee Valley Men’s Chorus. Alex is from Charlotte, North Carolina and is a Music Education major at Western Carolina University.
Alex is a member of WCU’s Pride of the Mountains marching band as well as performing with the Symphonic Band. Alex is also an Eagle Scout from Troop 256 of Catawba.
Social media Manager luke black
Luke Black serves as the Cullowhee Valley Men’s Chorus Social Media Manager. Luke is from Asheville, North Carolina and is a Political Science and Philosophy major at Western Carolina University.
Luke is a member of WCU’s Pride of the Mountains marching band as well as being actively engaged in North Carolina state and local politics/government.
VICE PRESIDENT VINCENT FELICE
Vincent Felice serves as the 2025 Vice President of Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus. Vincent is from Lillington, North Carolina and is a Vocal Music Education major at Western Carolina University.
Vincent is a former member of the Pembroke State Honor Choir as well as participating in two major musical theatre productions. Vincent has also performed at Battle of the Bands in Raleigh, North Carolina
SECRETARY JACOB MEIRING
Jacob Meiring serves as the 2025 Secretary of Cullowhee Valley Men's Chorus. Jacob is from Buford, Georgia and is a double major in Instrumental Music Education major and Trumpet Performance at Western Carolina University.
Jacob is a member of WCU's Pride of the Mountains marching band, Wind Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble. Jacob is also an alumnus of Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps in Atlanta, Georgia after marching 3 seasons and serving as section leader for 2.
TREASURER NIcholas Peterson-Paugh
Nicholas Peterson-Paugh serves as the Cullowhee Valley Men’s Chorus Treasurer. Nick is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is a double major in Vocal Performance and Accounting.
Nick has sang in choruses for a large portion of his life and recently participated in a local production of the country jukebox musical “May We All.”