Nelson R. Lawson served as Professor of French Horn at Hampton University for nine years, and was Supervisor of Music for Richmond Public Schools from 1984 to 2005. Nelson acquired his B.S. and M.S. degrees in music education from Virginia State University. Nelson is Assistant Conductor of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and a member of the French horn section. Nelson began his professional music career as a teen touring with Jackie Wilson of Motown, and has performed with Gateways since 2005.