Lei Ray Yu

Dr Yu is a dedicated Choral Music Educator and Liturgical musician. She currently serves at St. Michael the Archangel Parish as the Youth Music Director, overseeing music education for our youth at the Chesterton Academy, St. Michael's Parish School, and Homeschools. 

As an educator, she is committed to meeting students where they are and guiding them to uncover their potential and pursue their dreams. With experience teaching students of all ages, from elementary to graduate levels, she also travels to China each year to conduct symposiums and masterclasses for Chinese choral conductors. Her 2018 symposium, "The Complete Conductor," at China South Normal University, was recognised as the "most comprehensive curriculum for choral educators." Her teaching philosophy was prominently featured at the 2024 Choral Music Education Alliance Summit in Hangzhou, China, which brought together international master teachers and over 500 participants to celebrate choral music education.

As a Liturgical Musician, Dr. Yu has developed numerous musical programs in Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches. While serving as the Director of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester, MA, she established a children's choir and a summer choir camp. She collaborated with the directors of the Children's and Youth programs at Atonement Lutheran Church to create a Lenten course that integrated Bible readings and music in preparation for the Easter Vigil service, actively engaging young participants. Additionally, she teaches "Liturgy and Music" courses at Chinese seminaries during her travels to China and currently serves as Organist and Choir Master at St. Wendelin Parish in Fostoria, OH.

Dr. Yu acts as a bridge between the Chinese and Western choral music communities. She began her formal training at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, studying under professors Zheng, Xiao-Ying, and Ma, Ge-Shun. She earned her D.M.A. degree in Choral Conducting from Boston University, where she honed her conducting skills with Ann Howard Jones, David Hoose, and Craig Smith. Her mentors also include Joan Conlon, Eph Ehly, Joseph Flummerfelt, Gary Hill, and Tom Lee.