Mrs. Iris Denise Harris is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Georgia State University. She is the Director of Choral Activities for the Junior and Senior Academy at Drew Charter School. 

An accomplished vocalist and voice clinician in the Metro Atlanta area, her choirs have performed at national music festivals and concerts. While directing at Westlake High School (2016–2020), her choir was featured at the Atlanta Gospel Fest at Georgia State University’s Rialto Theater. 

She was a second-round audition finalist on NBC’s The Voice in 2009 and was named Overall Campus Superstar Idol Winner in 2015, representing Georgia State University against major universities across Georgia. 

Mrs. Harris also serves as a Praise and Worship Leader and teaches private voice, piano, and music theory. She is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, the American Choral Directors Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. 

In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family and decorating her home, resetting the season.

Dr. Adrian J. Ford serves as Chair of the Department of Music at Morris Brown College. In this role, he provides academic leadership focused on student success, curriculum development, and advancing high-quality music education that prepares students to compete and thrive in an evolving global music community.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Ford brings a broad and diverse background in music education and performance. He is deeply committed to student development and is known for implementing motivational and instructional strategies that lead to documented student achievement. His approach emphasizes skill-building, discipline, and professional readiness across a range of musical settings.

Dr. Ford earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Morris Brown College, a Master of Arts in Music Education with a primary focus on piano from Liberty University, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. His research centers on improving motivation and instructional outcomes for students with learning disabilities in instrumental music programs within public school settings.

Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Ford served as an Instrumental Music Educator in both Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Public Schools. He also previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Music at Morris Brown College, where he taught Applied Keyboard and Church Music.

An active musician and educator, Dr. Ford has performed with and for collegiate and K–12 music programs and has participated in performances and music events at notable venues including Carnegie Hall, Spivey Hall, and the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, as well as churches and community institutions across the country.

As Chair, Dr. Ford leads and supports a diverse, highly qualified faculty, focusing on strengthening academic rigor, performance excellence, and student leadership within the Department of Music. His dedication to the comprehensive training of student musicians continues to play a vital role in advancing Morris Brown College's mission and impact.

Timothy Shepard recently retired from Brevard First United Methodist Church, where he was the Director of Music / Organist for  17 years.  He has been attending Music Workshops at Christmount for even longer as the handbell clinician or accompanist.   

Shepard received a BM at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, where he studied sacred music practices, organ, and choral conducting. He received a Master's degree in Sacred Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. His career as Director of Music at churches has spanned South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.  

Tim serves as Dean of the local Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  He was recently elected as Southeast Regional Ambassador for the national office.  

Tim is a lifelong handbell ringer, composer, and arranger of handbell music.  He enjoys working with fellow handbell lovers as a ringer, director, and clinician. He is the publisher of SacredMusicDownloads.com, an online music retailer where his handbell, choral, and keyboard music can be found and purchased.  He presently lives in Mills River with his partner, Dustin, and hits the hiking trails of WNC as often as he can.