From Central State to the World Stage: The Musical Journey of Teri Harris

Written by Malik Perkins
September 30th, 2025

Source: Teri Harris, Threads

When Teri Harris sings, the room changes. Her voice—rich, precise, and commanding—has carried her far beyond the walls of rehearsal halls in Ohio to some of the most celebrated stages around the globe. A Cleveland native and Central State University graduate in vocal performance, Harris has become one of the shining voices of the Jeremy Winston Chorale, an ensemble that has earned international acclaim for its artistry and cultural impact.

For Harris, music has never been just a pastime. She began singing professionally at the age of 15, quickly learning what it meant to perform with both discipline and passion. By the time she joined the chorale under the direction of Jeremy Winston, her voice was already tuned for stages much bigger than the ones she grew up on. “It found me,” she said. “It came with all of the opportunities. Once I stepped into that space, doors just kept opening.”

Those doors led her across borders and oceans. With the chorale, Harris has performed in cities around the world—Prague, China, Colombia, and beyond. Each trip has left an imprint, shaping her as both an artist and a person. She recalled being struck by the beauty of Colombia. “I learned so much throughout that trip. The landscape itself was just beautiful—it looked like New York for real. The food was great, and the people were so kind. Most of them learned English as their second language, and they were eager to connect.”

The stage, however, is where the connections deepen. Harris has performed with orchestras abroad, often recognizing familiar faces among the musicians while the audience, regardless of language, responds to her voice. That voice, powerful yet nuanced, seems to need no translation. “It’s a different type of music, it’s a different etiquette,” she said. “You’ve got to make sure you’re on the mark—every note, every phrase counts.”

The Jeremy Winston Chorale has long been known as a cultural ambassador. Its 2011 performance tour in China marked a turning point for the group, and for singers like Harris, it created a blueprint for building a career through international artistry. “After that, you grow your résumé, you grow your career,” Harris explained. Each new destination adds to that growth, each audience another chance to refine her craft and share the kind of music that moves people regardless of background.

Now, years after graduating from Central State in 2018, Harris continues to embody the university’s tradition of excellence while carving her own path. Her performances are often recorded, sometimes by local videographers at schools where the chorale appears, ensuring that her voice carries even further than the concert hall. It is a voice that has already spanned continents, touched countless listeners, and promises to continue rising—proof that talent, discipline, and opportunity can take you around the world.