Lonnie Norwood, Jr.

Lonnie Norwood, Jr., a native of Chicago’s South Side, has always been driven by a deep passion for music and community service—two pillars that continue to shape his life’s work. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Luther College under the mentorship of the late, world-renowned conductor Weston Noble, and later received a Master of Music in voice from Florida State University. After completing his studies, Lonnie taught K-12 music in both public and private schools throughout Leon County (Tallahassee) and the Chicago area. As a versatile performer and arranger, he has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Lizz Wright, Nona Hendryx, Keith Urban, Nadine McKinnor, Ricky Dillard, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. In 2012, Lonnie joined Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), where he is the Director of Africana Studies and conducts the Lincoln Park and Englewood Neighborhood Choirs. Under his leadership, his ensembles have performed for live television and radio broadcasts and at major Chicago venues such as Symphony Center, Soldier Field, the United Center, and Ravinia. They have completed five national tours, including a memorable trip to Puerto Rico, where they learned and performed Bomba with the esteemed Ayala family of Loíza.

Lonnie is a sought-after Africana music clinician with emphasis in African American sacred music, igniting a deeper understanding among educators and ensembles of its rich historical roots, unrivaled African influences, expressive vocal techniques, and the spirit of Black liberation woven throughout its expansive repertoire. His dynamic workshops—frequented by high schools, colleges, universities, and community choirs—invite participants to experience the transformative power of this music firsthand. Lonnie has brought his expertise to ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) branches and prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Temple University, The University of Toronto, and Indiana University, inspiring generations with his insight.

As both clinician and singer, Lonnie regularly collaborates with the international choral organization Village Harmony, including two vibrant tours to South Africa. His passion for Africana music educational advocacy has sparked cross-cultural exchanges in Nassau, The Bahamas with the Bahamas National Youth Choir and local musicians, and a host of ensembles and tradition bearers in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Jamaica, Peru, and Canada. Lonnie has contributed articles on these subjects, co-authoring a featured piece in the American Choral Directors Association’s Choral Journal (October 2018).

Lonnie's 1st EP entitled ROOTED, a collection of songs tracing the spiritual, musical, and emotional journey of Trans-Atlantic African ancestry, was released in August 2021. He was lauded by the Chicago Reader as Best Music Teacher in Chicago for 2023.​ In 2025, Lonnie was appointed choir director of the world-renowned Leo High School Choir on Chicago's South Side, which recently placed fourth in the nation on America’s Got Talent, recorded Norwood’s original song “Go Getta” for the Chicago Bulls’ 2025-26 season, and sang for President Barack Obama. For more information, visit www.lonnienorwood.com.