Paducah Middle School choir director Veal receives choral excellence award

Samantha Veal, Paducah Middle School choir director, has been honored at the Kentucky American Choral Directors summer conference.

Veal is the recipient of the 2025 Robert K. Barr Award for Choral Excellence.

She was presented with the award at the conference held in Bowling Green July 14th-15th.

KyACDA President Daniel Wesley commented, "She has a great understanding of the developing voice and knows how to grow it. She also fosters a great confidence in changing voices. She loves them through it and encourages them to keep singing! Samantha loves her kids and they love her right back."

In addition to serving as the Choral Director at Paducah Middle School and Assistant Choral Director at Paducah Tilghman High School, Veal also directs the Paducah Symphony Children's Chorus.

Under her direction, choirs have consistently achieved recognition, being featured at multiple Kentucky Music Educators Association conferences.

PHOTO:  Paducah Public Schools, courtesy