Lee University at the WHITE HOUSE....

I am an alum of Lee University, Cleveland TN (www.leeuniversity.edu). I am so thrilled to learn that "Voices of Lee"--one of the premier musical groups in the USA will be guest artists at the White House. Here's the story:

Lee University's Voices of Lee have been asked to perform at the White House for a special Christmas performance on Dec. 17.

The 15-member ensemble will give a concert for the invitation-only guests of the president's home, who will be viewing the Christmas decorations at the house.

Their hour and a half, a capella performance will feature what Murray calls "vocal orchestration" with traditional Christmas music such as "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Joy to the World." The group will also sing "Tender Tennessee Christmas."

The group was referred to the White House by Congressman Zach Wamp's office. When Rhonda Houston, of the White House Visitors Office, contacted the group, director Danny Murray said they immediately accepted the invitation and completed the appropriate security documents.

"This is the kind of thing every group at Lee wants to do," Murray said. "We're really excited about it, and the kids are just elated. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Murray and his singers hope to meet the president and first lady, though they have no idea if the couple will be there or who the president's special guests are.

In recent years, the guests have included New York City firefighters who served during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The invitation comes at a special time for the Voices of Lee, as they are celebrating 10 years of singing and ministry.

The group's trip to the White House is just another performance to add to their already long list of memorable concerts, which include performances in Jerusalem, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and numerous a capella festivals across the country. The group has also appeared on "Good Morning America" and Bill Gaither's "Praise Gathering."

"During their college career, you hope something like this could happen, but you never know," Murray said. "This is something they will look back on and always remember."

The Voices of Lee website: www.voicesoflee.com