Lowcountry Sacred Music Retreat Leadership:

​Choral Clinician:
Dr. Valerie Bullock
Dr. Valerie Bullock is Professor Emeritus at Charleston Southern University, having retired June 30, 2016. At CSU she was Chair of the Horton School of Music, Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities, where she conducted the University Concert Singers and Bel Canto as well as coordinating choral music education.

​She received her Doctorate in Choral Music Education from Florida State University and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Carolina.

In addition to conducting the Singers of Summerville, she also served as the full-time Director of Music Ministries at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville from September 2016 until her retirement in September 2020. Dr. Bullock conducted the Bethany Chancel Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s Ensemble, and Women’s Ensemble, as well as overseeing the entire music program.

Dr. Bullock remains active as a consultant and adjudicator in the South Carolina American Choral Directors Association and in 2022 was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award.

LSMR Founder and Collaborative Pianist:
​Holly Slice | Summerville Methodist Church
Holly Slice is a board-certified music therapist and entrepreneur based in the Lowcountry. She graduated from the Horton School of Music at Charleston Southern University in 2014 with a degree in Music Therapy and currently serves patients in medical-surgical, oncology, and ICU units at Roper Berkeley Hospital.

In 2016, Holly founded Lowcountry Pianist & Company, LLC, a live-music collective providing exceptional musicians for intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations. The company now coordinates more than 800 performances annually throughout the Lowcountry.

Building on her passion for music education, Holly launched SC Music Lessons, LLC in 2020, which now serves over 100 students across a wide range of instruments. She also founded the INSPIRE Choir in partnership with the Goose Creek Therapeutic Recreation Department - an inclusive ensemble designed for adults of all abilities to build community, confidence, and teamwork through music.

Holly serves as the Director of Music Ministries at Summerville Methodist Church and is grateful to be part of the Lowcountry Sacred Music Retreat, which beautifully reflects her deepest values: faith, relationships, and music.