Warren Whitney

Warren Whitney is a beloved music professor and choir director in the page of Lancaster Bible College history. He served in various roles, from Associate Professor of Music and Choir Director to Department Chair and Voice Teacher, from 1971 to 2009, and also served at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster as Senior Choir Director from 1987-2016.

Read a conversion between two music department chairs, as Dr. Paul Thorlakson interviews Warren Whitney in the Fall 2023 issue of The ECHO. And see why he’s such a beloved faculty member through these alumni memories:

“I came to LBC in 1976 for the one-year concentrated Bible course, fully intending to move on after completing that year. But I joined the Conestogans that year and fell in love with the music program at LBC. That one year extended to two and eventually four years, completing my degree in 1980. I was privileged to sing in the Conestogans, under Mr. Whitney’s direction, for all four years. I also sang for one year with the Wayfarers and one year with the Sojourners. I had three years of voice lessons with Mr. Whitney, which were immensely beneficial in strengthening my voice. Choir tours – heading south for Spring Break and north after graduation – were highlights of each year. Mr. Whitney’s knowledge of New England made our May tours especially meaningful. One clear memory of my senior year spring break was being snowed in in Hampden, Va. Mr. Whitney’s two simple rules were: 1) the Director is always right and 2) in the event the Director is wrong, refer to rule #1! He put smiley faces under his music stand and would flip it toward us when we were falling short in facial expression. Whether the choir left campus for a week or just a Sunday, the moment the bus turned onto Eden Road, the choir began singing – in four-part harmony – ‘My Hope is in the Lord.’ I think of that, to this day, anytime I turn onto Eden Road to head to the college. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Whitney for instilling a love for many styles of music, and his encouragement to use my voice for God’s glory.”

Ruth (Lockhart ’80) Schmidt

“We both came to LSB in fall 1971 when I met Professor Whitney at fall registration, and I signed up for the Church Music minor. It has been my honor and privilege to know him as professor, mentor and friend. As a professor, he equipped me to understand and lead church music for a congregation, a choir or any group. As a mentor, he challenged me to think about the nature and role of church music in ways that still guide me today. As a friend, he and Pat had me in their home often, and they befriended my wife, Sharren, and I as we participated in the first Sojourner traveling team. His passion for the Lord expressed through music has been an inspiration to me for over 50 years, and I thank him for his life and example. The ICHTHUS of 1973-74, the first year of LBC degree-granting, was dedicated to him and reflects the esteem the student body had for him.”

Rick Hall (‘75)

“Professor Whitney, I sure struggled in your basic music class.  I still cannot tell one note from another.  I can follow others when I sing, but I do not lead. But I do know how math and music intertwine with each other. I love teaching math, and I have seen how the two overlap for the student’s benefit. When I taught at Pocono Christian School, each teacher took a turn leading the musical portion of chapel. Lots of prayers were sent when it was my turn. My sons never minded when I sang to them, and I sang every night to them when they were young. I encouraged them to join band and orchestra in their school’s music classes. Looking back, I believe I learned more than I thought I did. When I arrive in heaven, I will be the one singing the loudest. Thank you for your patience and encouragement.”

Lisa (LoConte ’77) Allen

“Mr. Whitney was not only a great music teacher and choir director, he truly cared about his students. I remember a time I wanted to give up on something, and he gently told me it becomes a pattern I didn’t want in my life. It was life-changing. Since then, when I wanted to give up on something, I would remember those words and persevere.”

Mona (Baker ’72) Strayer

“My husband and I started at what was then Lancaster School of the Bible in the fall of 1970. My husband was pursuing pastoral studies, and one of the classes included was with Warren (Music Ministry) and involved the men learning how to lead congregational singing. I remember Professor Whitney having my husband recruiting me to be a ‘member of the congregation.’ It was quite an experience since my husband knew nothing about music. Poor Warren! I also have fond memories of him initiating holiday cantatas. He recruited both LSB and community singers and musicians and managed to pull us all together to present a time of glorifying God musically to the public. We also became friends since his daughter married the first young man (Jerry Higley) our nephew brought home to live with us. Great memories!”

Peggy (Pinkerton ’78) Long

“In the 1970s, I remember Warren Whitney well as the most friendly and outgoing professor. He, of course, taught music and led all of the choirs and musicals. I had him for music class, and he instilled a passion for music of all kinds. Not only did he teach me, but Pat, his wife, taught all three of my children at Lancaster Christian School. Yes, the Whitneys were a giving couple (who) invested in the students. I am grateful for them.”

Philip Theis (’88, ’19 & ’25), PhD in Biblical Studies Candidate

“So many of my favorite memories of LBC revolve around the Conestogans and choir tours. And, of course, those memories would not be complete without Warren Whitney. Mr. Whitney was a demanding choir director, but we knew he loved us. One year, our choir tour was cut short by an impending blizzard. We arrived back to an empty campus since everyone was still on Spring Break. Mr. Whitney and his dear wife invited those of us snowed in on campus to trudge through the snow to their home on Eden Road to get something to eat and hang out. That’s the kind of prof Mr. Whitney was; and, therefore, we always wanted to give him our best!”

Terri Christian (’93 & ’94) Fisher