Brian Gallaher
Lee University will host a gala to honor the legacy of Brian Gallaher, a well-known music educator in the Cleveland community, on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conn Center.
Mr. Gallaher devoted his life to mentoring young people through music education at Ocoee Middle School. In order to commemorate his work, the Lee School of Music hopes to raise funds for an endowed scholarship through the gala.
“With God’s help, we are cementing Brian’s legacy in the Cleveland community with an endowed scholarship at Lee,” said Dr. Nathan Warner, assistant professor of music. “The scholarship will seek out people with Brian’s heart and charisma whose mission it is to empower young people through music.”
The event will feature the Ocoee Middle School Band, Walker Valley High School Band, Lee University Symphonic Band, and Lee University Faculty Brass Quintet.
Following his undergraduate degree at Lee, Mr. Gallaher served as a teacher at Ocoee Middle School for 14 years. He was first the assistant band director before being promoted to the top band position. According to Dr. William Green, dean of the School of Music, Mr. Gallaher enjoyed teaching middle school students and fully invested his life in their growth and success.
Mr. Gallaher also maintained a partnership with Alan Hunt, the director of bands at Walker Valley High School. While at Ocoee Middle, he was involved with Walker Valley’s marching band program.
Donations to the scholarship fund can be made at any time by visiting www.leeuniversity.edu/donations or by cash or check. Checks must be made payable to Lee University. If sending a check, please designate the funds to the Brian Gallaher Scholarship Fund in the memo line. If you are mailing a check to Lee University, please send it to the Office of Central Gifts, P.O. Box 3450, Cleveland, TN 37320-3450.
Tickets for the gala are free, but required. They will be available in the Dixon Center box office beginning Tuesday, Jan. 12. The box office is open weekdays from 3-6 p.m. and can be reached at 614-8343.
For more information about the event, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/galaforgallaher.