Berean Teacher Heather Duncan Releases New Music Rooted in Faith and Tradition

Knoxville, TN - Berean Christian School is proud to celebrate the creative work of Heather Duncan, a member of our Fine Arts and History faculty, whose passion for music, faith, and history comes together through her work with the traditional music band Rich Mountain Celtic.

Rich Mountain Celtic performs traditional Celtic music alongside Appalachian tunes. Both genres share musical heritage that traces their roots to England, Scotland, and Ireland. This connection is especially evident in the hymns featured on the band’s album, Highland Hymnal, where sacred music becomes a bridge between cultures and generations.

The band recently released, “Come Ye Sinners,” an English hymn. The piece features tight yet relaxed vocals, two violins that weave in and out of the melody, and a thoughtful blend of guitar, flute, and concertina. The rendition's musical tapestry honors historical tradition, while remaining accessible and engaging for modern listeners.

For teacher Heather Duncan, this work reflects the same values she brings into the classroom. As a Fine Arts and History teacher at Berean, she encourages students to see how creativity, faith, and tradition intersect. "Music, like history, tells a story," reflects Duncan. Through projects like Highland Hymnal, students and listeners alike are invited to appreciate how the past continues to shape the present.

“At Berean, we value teachers who live out their passions authentically,” says Head of School, Jon Farra. “Heather’s work is a wonderful example of how faith and creativity can be expressed beyond the classroom in meaningful ways.”

The album’s focus on hymns highlights the enduring power of sacred music. These songs, passed down through generations, carry theological depth and emotional resonance that transcend time and place. Through careful arrangement and performance, Rich Mountain Celtic brings these hymns to life in a way that is both reverent and fresh.

Highland Hymnal (which includes previous releases Wondrous Love and Be Thou My Vision,) and the single “Come Ye Sinners” are available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music/iTunes, Pandora, YouTube, and Spotify.

Berean Christian School is grateful to celebrate the talents of its faculty and the many ways they use their gifts to glorify God, inspire others, and model lifelong learning and creativity for our students.