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About Clay
Clay Whittington has been praised for his musical artistry and showmanship in both popular and cultivated genres. As a vocalist, his recent work includes performances with East Carolina University Opera Theater and Carnival Cruise Line. He currently serves as Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.
Clay has served as a church musician in the United Methodist and Episcopal denominations for much of the last two decades. In this role, he has conducted choral and instrumental ensembles in North Carolina, California, and Arizona. Outside of regular worship services, he has lead music and worship at the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Diocesan Convention for the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, and a Revival for the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, featuring Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael Curry.
From 2016 to 2018, Clay performed on nine ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, earning Carnival Entertainment’s Top Performer status prior to his departure.
Clay returned to East Carolina University in 2019 to complete his studies in vocal performance and sacred music. He has performed with East Carolina University Opera Theater and the internationally renowned East Carolina University Chamber Singers. In 2020, he received his Associate of Fine Arts in Music from Lenoir Community College. He has studied with Mr. John Kramar (voice), Dr. Louise Toppin (voice), and Dr. James Franklin (choir, conducting).
Clay is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, the American Choral Directors Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing.