Piedmont Macon honors choir director with Community Hero Award

Piedmont Macon presented the award to Wanda Duval, director of the Gifted Harmony Choir, which focuses on making music accessible for individuals with special needs.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon presented its annual Community Hero Award Tuesday to a dedicated and selfless member of the Macon community who is not only making a difference but changing lives through music.

Piedmont Macon presented the award to Wanda Duval, director of the Gifted Harmony Choir, which focuses on making music accessible for individuals with special needs. She says the award and the choir are a blessing.

“Very minute has been so rewarding. So, first of all winning this award, it took me off guard, it was a total surprise. But I don’t want to take all the credit, I can’t do anything without parents and care givers for gifted harmony, and of course the choir members themselves”, said Duval.

Duval has been involved with the Gifted Harmony Choir since it began in 2016. She works a full-time job and manages the choir in her free time, but says the choir is everything to her.

“Because it’s so deserving! They deserve this opportunity to be heard and to share their abilities; and the love they share with the community is just everything. It’s everything to me; it’s everything to all of us who are involved with gifted harmony; including parents, care givers, volunteers. so, this choir is a blessing”, said Duval.

Piedmont Macon Chief Executive Officer Steve Daugherty presented Duval with the award and says this one is memorable.

“Usually we go to the recipient, but we wanted them to come to us, so we could experience the abilities of these fine young people; and Wanda’s leadership of them. So, I think it was very special for us today, because it just wasn’t just the executive leadership team. It was staff and the families that were able to experience what they offer to our community”, said Daugherty.

Duval received the Community Hero Award and a $500 check for her choir and organization. She explains what she hopes members are learning from the experience.

“Confidence, knowing their abilities, knowing that no matter what level the abilities are, they still have a gift that they can share with others. So, that’s what I want them to know the most about participating with gifted harmony choir”, said Duval.

The organization is accepting volunteers, choir members and staff. More information is available at giftedharmonychoir.org.