West Orange High choir director to leave after school year ends

Dr. Jeffery Redding, West Orange High School's Grammy award-winning choir director, is leaving the school after many years of serving the Warriors.

The school announced via Facebook Thursday, March 5, that Redding has accepted a position as director of choral activities at the University of Central Florida. According to West Orange High's Facebook post, Redding will stay at the school through the end of the school year before beginning his new role at UCF this summer.

"Dr. Redding has served the students and community of West Orange for over 23 years, where he has worked to establish a strong and nationally awarded choral program," the post stated. "Dr. Redding has lead our choral students to perform all over the nation and internationally this past year in Italy."

According to the post, Redding also will continue his involvement with the Orlando Choral Society. 

One year ago, Redding received the Grammy Music Educator Award, which is given to one teacher for his or her role in shaping students’ lives through music.

The Jones High School alumnus holds a doctoral degree in choral conducting and music education and a master’s degree in music education, both from the Florida State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in music education from Florida A&M University.

Redding has been featured as a guest conductor at many prestigious venues, both nationally and internationally. He also has given a TEDx Talk, served as a conductor at Disney’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and has served as chairman or co-chairman of multiple musical programs and organizations.