Meet Reginal Jefferson | Choir Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reginal Jefferson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reginal, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since a kid, I’ve always been draw to music. I started playing musical instruments around the age of 3. From there, I was drawn to directing choirs. Started studying and watching various directors. Their various styles helped to influence and cultivate my style of directing

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
How Did You Get to Where You Are Today Professionally?
My journey began at a young age, which is a great testament to my passion and dedication. Being the second oldest of four boys, I learned a lot about leadership and responsibility early on. Music wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling. My years playing in the band during middle and high school helped to shape my musical foundation and gave me a solid understanding of performance, team dynamics, and discipline.

Attending the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) in 1994 was a pivotal moment in my life, not just professionally but personally. It gave me the tools and mentorship to cultivate my gifts and gave me opportunities to work with some major figures in gospel music like James Bignon, Dorothy Norwood, Dottie Peoples, and Lashun Pace. Those experiences were formative, refining my skills as a choir director and musician, while also expanding my network and understanding of the gospel music community.

Was It Easy?
My path wasn’t necessarily “easy”— it was a journey full of challenges and learning curves. But the fact that I’ve been directing choirs since I was 13 suggests I’ve had a deep passion for music and a resilience that helped me push through difficult moments. Balancing my love for music with the responsibilities of growing my craft required a lot of sacrifice, learning from others, and persistence. As with any meaningful journey, the struggles and obstacles are part of the process of growth. Overcoming challenges likely shaped my leadership style and deepened my passion for the work I do.

Overcoming the Challenges
A huge lesson from my story is the importance of continuous learning and humility. I didn’t just rest on my talents or experiences, but I sought out opportunities to learn and grow, like attending GMWA and working with seasoned professionals. That openness to growth and the ability to listen and learn from others is one of the most powerful ways to overcome challenges.

The experience of working with artists and choirs across different denominations taught me flexibility and adaptability. Directing choirs in different environments gave me a deeper understanding of the many nuances in music and leadership styles, which is invaluable.

Lessons You’ve Learned Along the Way
Less is More: I realized that “simplicity isn’t always a bad thing” it’s a lesson for many musicians and directors. It’s easy to get caught up in complexity, but sometimes the beauty is in the simplicity. Music, especially gospel, is deeply emotional and can be just as powerful with a minimalistic approach if it’s done with passion and intention.

The Importance of Community: My choirs’ inaugural concert in September 2024 is a testament to the importance of community. The overwhelming support from our family, friends, and the gospel music community shows that people appreciate and resonate with what we’re doing. We’ve created something that’s more than just a choir; it’s a community.

Taking Risks: Starting my own choir, The Royal Priesthood Chorale, was a bold step, but it reflects my growth as a leader. I didn’t wait for someone else to give me a platform; I created my own. Which speaks to me having courage and faith in my vision.

Hard Work and Consistency Pay Off: I’ve been at this for years, and that consistency has built my reputation. Music isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, dedication, and continually improving.

What Do You Want the World to Know About Your Story and Brand?
My story isn’t just about music; it’s about passion, dedication, and the power of persistence. I’ve spent decades honing my craft, and now I’m sharing the fruits of my labor with the world in a way that’s impactful and meaningful. The Royal Priesthood Chorale isn’t just a choir; it’s a symbol of my faith, my commitment to excellence, and my desire to create something that brings people together.

My brand reflects a commitment to excellence, a deep love for music, and a focus on community and collaboration. I want people to understand that great music is not just about complexity or flash—it’s about creating an experience that connects with people on a deeper level. And in doing so, it’s building a legacy of music, leadership, and mentorship that will inspire others for years to come.

The world needs to know that I’m not just a choir director; I am a musician, a mentor, and a leader who believes in the transformative power of music and community. My journey is a testament to the idea that when you follow your passion and commit to the work, incredible things happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got a real taste of the city—everything from great food to cultural experiences, with a little bit of fun mixed in. Here’s how I’d plan out our trip:

Day 1: Welcome to the City
Lunch: I’d take them straight to Busy Bee Café for some authentic Southern comfort food. You can’t beat their fried chicken, and the homemade banana pudding? Absolutely next-level.
Afternoon: After lunch, we’d swing by The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. The history here is powerful, and I think it’s so important to understand the legacy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. We’d take a moment to reflect at the Ebenezer Baptist Church and then stroll over to the Civil Rights Museum nearby.
Dinner: For dinner, we’d head to One Eared Stag. Their burger is absolutely amazing—one of the best in the city, hands down. It’s a relaxed spot, so we can kick back and catch up.
Day 2: Arts & Culture
Morning: Start the day with a visit to the High Museum of Art. It’s one of my favorite places in the city, and if we’re lucky, we can catch their First Friday event—an awesome chance to check out live music and other performances.
Lunch: After soaking up some culture, I’d take them over to 26 Thai Sushi & Bar in Brookhaven. The food there is incredible. They’ve got a killer mix of Thai and sushi, so we’re sure to find something we love.
Afternoon: Post-lunch, we could head to the Georgia Aquarium—it’s one of the largest in the world. I never get tired of seeing the whale sharks and the underwater tunnel. It’s one of those experiences that’s just jaw-dropping.
Evening: We could wrap up the night with a visit to The Painted Pin for some casual bowling and a fun atmosphere. It’s a great way to hang out and have a little friendly competition.
Day 3: Explore the City
Morning: We’d kick things off with breakfast at The Flying Biscuit—a local favorite with killer biscuits and gravy. After breakfast, we’d head out for some shopping. We could hit Phipps Plaza for high-end brands, or Lenox Mall if we’re looking for something a bit more casual.
Lunch: For lunch, we’d grab a bite at The Sundial Restaurant—not just for the food (although the food is amazing), but for the view! It’s one of the best places to get a full 360-degree view of Atlanta while enjoying a great meal.
Afternoon: After some shopping, we’d head up to the North Georgia Premium Outlets to see what kind of deals we can score. It’s about an hour outside the city, but definitely worth it if you’re in the mood for some serious discount shopping.
Dinner: I’d take them to Busy Bee again if we’re in the mood for more Southern comfort, or if we’re in the mood for something different, we could grab a bite at The Varsity for a true ATL experience—nothing beats their chili dogs and Frosted Orange!
Day 4: Downtown Atlanta & History
Morning: We’d start the day by visiting the World of Coca-Cola. I mean, it’s a fun stop and a piece of history. Plus, who doesn’t love tasting all those different Coca-Cola beverages from around the world?
Lunch: Afterward, we could grab lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room for some classic Southern food. The cornbread and sweet tea here are perfect, and it’s a staple in the city.
Afternoon: We could take a stroll through Piedmont Park, enjoy the green space, and maybe rent bikes or walk around the lake.
Evening: For dinner, I’d suggest checking out Bacchanalia if we’re in the mood for something a little upscale. It’s one of the best fine dining experiences in Atlanta. If we’re feeling more low-key, we could go to The Optimist—it’s a great seafood spot with a laid-back vibe.
Day 5: Food & Fun
Morning: Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café—the shrimp and grits here is a must-try, and their mimosas are top-notch.
Lunch: We’d grab lunch at The Vortex—another ATL institution. Their burgers are huge and delicious, and the atmosphere is always fun.
Afternoon: We’d go over to The Atlanta Botanical Garden for some nature and beauty, or check out Krog Street Market for local art and food vendors.
Evening: Dinner at Gunshow for a really unique experience. It’s a chef-driven restaurant where food is brought out on carts, and you can pick what you want as it comes by—such a cool experience.
Day 6: Chill Day
Morning: We could take it easy today, maybe start with breakfast at Grindhouse Killer Burgers for some seriously good burgers and breakfast options.
Afternoon: We’d spend some time relaxing or exploring the BeltLine. There’s always something cool going on, whether it’s a pop-up shop, an art installation, or just people-watching. Plus, there are some great spots along the way like Ponce City Market to grab coffee and snacks.
Evening: A chill evening at The Local for drinks and bites. It’s got a relaxed vibe with great cocktails, perfect for winding down after a week of exploring.
Day 7: Final Day—A Bit of Everything
Morning: We’d go out for a brunch at South City Kitchen in Midtown, known for its delicious Southern-inspired menu and great cocktails.
Afternoon: I’d take them over to Atlanta’s Westside Beltline for some shopping and checking out cool spots like Lee + White—a great mix of local breweries, shops, and eateries. It’s a nice change of pace.
Evening: For the last dinner, we’d hit Fool’s Errand in Poncey-Highland for something a little more creative and relaxed. Their cocktails and small plates are fantastic, and it’s the perfect way to end the trip.
That would be the perfect week—a mix of food, culture, history, and fun, all with a little bit of everything that makes Atlanta so special. From great local spots to big cultural landmarks, I’d make sure my friend leaves with an unforgettable experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to Apostle Ida Austin, Minister Betty Dickens, the late Nathaniel Wilcox, Professor Glenn McMillian, Atlanta Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc., Dr. Prince Yelder, Uncle Jeffery LaValley, Wendell Woods, Walter Scrutchings, Dr. Wayne Evans, The Woods Memorial Baptist Church and The Royal Priesthood Chorale

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