Cedar Creek Lake’s Avanti Singers will begin the fall season under the direction of a new conductor, and the chorale group is seeking new members.

Aaron Strum, 24, the music minister for Calvary Baptist Church in Kaufman, will lead the popular singing group that performs for local organizations when rehearsals begin Sept. 15 at First United Methodist Church in Mabank at 6:30 p.m.

Strum told The Monitor newspaper that he looked forward to the opportunity to lead the singers to a new level of excellence. “I think we have the desire and the talent to create something really unique and valuable to the community,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Strum is also a math resource aide at Mabank Intermediate School. His wife, Hilary, is a music teacher at the school.

Strum holds a degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He minored in music at the university as part of the school’s chorale program, and he also worked in marketing for the school’s popular “Festival South” that features musicians and bands every year.

Anyone wanting to join the Avanti Singers should call Jean Robinson at 903-451-3203.