25 Seasons 25 Lives: Lelyand Cathey
As a Cadet and Officer Candidate at The United States Air Force Academy, Lelyand Cathey knows a lot about discipline, rigor, and hard work. These are qualities he has always valued, even as a young person growing up in Charlotte. He was surprised, however, to find their value not only in physical strength and academics, but in music as well. He joined The Choir School in 2012.
" In the beginning, singing was definitely out
of my comfort zone. Succeeding as a chorister
taught me what is possible when you get out
of that zone. My experience at The Choir School
helped me think through the merits
of something else that felt uncomfortable at first -
becoming an officer in the Air Force. "
When Lelyand finally achieved his dream of attending The Air Force Academy, he found himself with very limited time outside of classes and training. He certainly didn't think singing would have a place in his life - until he auditioned for the academy's renowned mens a cappella group In The Stairwell. "Turns out, this is the greatest group of guys I've ever met," he says. "It's amazing how music brings people together."
Middle back row: Lelyand Cathey performing wth The MasterSingers in 2014.

" The Choir School taught me musicianship, and also adult skills like perseverance and respectful debate. It definitely affected my thinking in a lot of ways."
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In The Stairwell, the Air Force Academy a cappella group Lelyand joined in 2018, gained popularity when they performed in the 2017 Season of
"America's Got Talent." You can see a performance from that season HERE.
25 Seasons 25 Lives is an introduction
to the diverse alumni
of The Choir School at St. Peter's
You can help keep all the benefits of arts education available
for talented young people from every walk of life.
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