Lift Every Voice

Baltimore-born baritone Lysle S. Follette, IV is rapidly emerging as a versatile and expressive young artist whose voice bridges cultures and captivates audiences. He began performing at an early age, singing his first solo at the age of three, and by sixth grade, had already toured Europe with the Jeremy Winston Chorale and the Central State University Choir.

Lysle has since appeared on renowned stages including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Mann Center, and Capital One Arena, and has performed for international audiences in diplomatic and cultural settings—most notably at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., celebrating 45 years of U.S.–China relations.

In addition to his vocal accomplishments, Lysle is also a talented composer and arranger, with his choral works performed by the Oakwood University Aeolians, two-time winners of the Choir of the World title. He currently studies Vocal Performance at Washington Adventist University, under the tutelage of Professor Xavier Joseph and continues to use his God-given gifts to glorify his Creator and unite the people around him.

Ayanna Freelon-Coleman, a distinguished soprano from Grenada, Mississippi, is celebrated for her elegance, vocal agility, and commitment to artistic excellence. She began her musical journey at Texas Southern University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a minor in Theater. During her studies, she performed roles such as Lorell in Dreamgirls and Madame Goldentrill in The Impresario. After graduating with honors, she joined the Lingua e’ Canto Young Artist Program in Sant’Angelo in Vado, Italy, where she deepened her artistry in operatic performance.

Mrs. Coleman earned her Master of Arts in Music from Morgan State University, performing as the soprano soloist in Bach’s Magnificat and portraying Mary Leila Wright in Steven Allen’s Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadows. She further refined her craft through the “Singing in Sicily” program under renowned pianist Mark Markham. Internationally, she has performed across Italy, China, and Spain.

A dedicated curator of recitals and sacred concerts in the Baltimore/Washington area, Mrs. Coleman has collaborated with the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, the ENA Ensemble, and the Walters Art Museum to elevate underrepresented voices in classical music. Her orchestral engagements include performances of Handel’s Messiah, Fauré’s Requiem, and Broadway and Beyond with the Accord Symphony Orchestra. Passionate about African American composition and oratorio repertoire, Ayanna seeks to continue expanding her artistry as a concert soprano and interpreter of classical works.

Marcela Jones-Moreno, from Silver Spring, Maryland, has been developing her voice and passion for music since high school. Her journey began at James Hubert Blake High School, where she joined the choir and discovered her love for singing. This passion grew as she became a member of the Montgomery County Youth Choir, performing at the Strathmore Music Center in 2021.

In 2022, Marcela participated in Washington Adventist University’s Music Fest, where her audition earned her a spot as a vocal major. She began studying under Dr. Deborah Thurlow and now trains with Dr. Tae Min Cha. As a member of both the Columbia Collegiate Chorale and Pro Musica, Marcela has performed on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall and Strathmore, and in 2024 sang with Pro Musica at the American Choral Directors Association Conference in Rhode Island.

Beyond choral work, she performed in WAU’s original production I Dream, I Wish (2024) and assisted behind the scenes in Godspell (2023) and The Pirates of Penzance (2025). Currently pursuing a double major in Pre-Occupational Therapy and Music with an Honors minor, Marcela strives to blend artistry and compassion, aspiring to become an opera singer who inspires and uplifts others.