VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 JULY 4, 2006

REVERBERATIONS

SPECIAL ISSUE: ANNUAL MEETING PREVIEW S THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS, INC. Violinist Karen Briggs and Pianist Awadagin Pratt Confirm ed as Gala Artists in Norfolk “Hom ecom ing” “Le’s Have A Gala Concert W ilder Theater Union— Norfolk State University Bridging Monday, July 24 Generations” 7:30 p.m . 87th NANM, Inc.

Annual Meeting Violinist Karen Briggs (left) and pianist Awadagin Pratt, internationally acclaim ed gala artists at the 2006 Annual Meeting of NANM, Inc. on Monday, July 24, in Norfolk, Virginia.

“This will be a most ex- of musical genres and insight and intensely involv- July 22-27, 2006 citing evening,” notes styles.” ing performances, consis- President Carter. “Both tently eliciting thunderous Radisson Hotel Norfolk Karen Briggs attended artists will undoubtedly applause and enthusiastic Norfolk State University, 700 Monticello Avenue s h a r e t h e i r y o u t h ful in- attention from the press. where she majored in Norfolk, Virginia 23510 s ig h t a n d f r e s h ap- music education and (Continued on Page 2) proaches to their art. Phone: 757-627-5555 mass media. During the The programming will early 1980s, she played in Registration begins Fax: 757-533-9651 be diverse and will

the Virginia Symphony. [email protected] definitely offer some- at 8:00 a.m . on After moving to New thing for everyone. It is Sunday, July 23, and York, she won “Amateur President Roland M. Carter an- thrilling to ‘welcome Night” at the Apollo Thea- will be continuous. nounces Karen Briggs, violinist, home’ two of the na- ter four times. and Awadagin Pratt, pianist, as tion’s finest performers, Inside this issue: 2006 Gala Artists at the 87th An- each having NANM con- During the 1990s, Ms. nual Meeting of The National Asso- nections.” Briggs was a featured so- President’s Letter 2 ciation of Negro Musicians, Inc. in loist with , with According to Dr. Billy 2006 Honorees 3 Norfolk, Virginia. This concert will whom she toured interna- Taylor, “Violinist Karen be a homecoming of sorts for both tionally for 13 years. She More Annual Meeting 4-6 Briggs brings incredi- artists—Ms. Briggs, as a young- currently performs with Previews ble virtuosity and ver- ster, grew up in Portsmouth, Vir- the Unwrapped Band and satility to an instrument 2007 African Am erican 7 ginia and played in the TAM records for Hidden Beach that has held an allur- Art Song Alliance (Tidewater Area Musicians) Or- Records. Conference chestra, under the direction of the ing, yet sometimes pre- late D. Jerlene Harding, and trav- carious position in . Awadagin Pratt is one of Morehouse Glee Club 7 eled to NANM annual meetings. W hile extremely well the finest pianists of his Perform s in Denver versed in the jazz rep- generation. He is ac- Mr. Pratt was the 1985 scholarship Recent Recordings 8-9 competition winner. ertoire, Briggs’ music claimed for his musical transcends a vast array NANM Officers 10 Receive Honors REVERBERATIONS

Page 2 President’s Letter

“As a an individual living at the years. Three of this year’s cli- icy. beginning of the twenty-first nicians were my students at All sessions promise to be century, I have inherited a rich Hampton Institute and sang in informative, stimulating, legacy of m usical practices my choir during their under- from throughout the world, and provocative, inspiring, graduate years. This is indeed I have reveled in all of it. The and entertaining. W ork- m usic of Charlie Parker, special for me. shops will include pres- , Miles President Roland M. Carter Davis, Igor Stravinsky, Bessie The theme, “Le’s Have a Un- entations on a wide range Sm ith, and W ithold Lu- Dear NANM Family, ion—Bridging Generations,” of topics, from German toslawski, as well as m uch m u- perfectly describes our inten- Lieder to Hip-Hop! sic of selected indigenous peo- Incredibly, July is here, and tions in all of our sessions. W e ple of the world, all has m ean- It is not too late to encour- in a few days, we will be are placing our youth at our ing to m e.” age your family, friends, gathering in Norfolk, Vir- sides, to teach them our his- —Olly W ilson, “Interpreting Clas- and professional associ- ginia, for the 87th Annual tory, so they may accurately sical Music,” in African American ates to travel to Greater Music: An Introduction, M. Meeting of NANM, Inc. This tell our story to the genera- Hampton Roads for an Burnim and P. Maultsby, Eds. year’s conference is quite a tions that follow. Proverbs 22:6 (Routledge, 2006). unforgettable few days of homecoming—not only for reminds us that we should music, fellowship, and our gala artists, but for me, “Train [our youth] in the way From the Editor celebration. This is a per- as well. As many of you are in the way [they] should go: fect place to converge for If you have information that you aware, I spent over two and when [they] are old, wish to include in the next issue an impromptu family re- decades living and working [they] will not depart from it.” of union of your own. in Hampton, just a few miles If we, the elders of NANM, do REVERBERATIONS, f r om Norfolk. The 2006 hon- not assume this responsibility, please submit it to See you in Norfolk. orees are people whom I we will lose our most valuable Roland Marilyn A. Thom pson have known, admired, and (news@ nanm .org) resources. Our youth are, in (president@ nanm.org) 537 Hancock Street respected for many, many effect, our life insurance pol- Brooklyn, NY 11233 718-455-6680 (Voice and Fax) Briggs and Pratt to Perform Norfolk Gala Concert As a conductor, Mr. Pratt has led the sym- The National Association of (Continued from Page 1) Negro Musicians, Inc. phonies of Toledo, New Mexico, W inston- Born in , Pennsylvania, Mr. Pratt Salem, Sante Fe, and Prince George’s Post Office Box 43053 g r e w u p i n N o rmal, Illinois. At age 16, he County (Maryland). He has also con- 11551 South Laflin St. e n t e r e d t h e U n i v e r s ity of Illinois, where he Chicago, IL 60643 ducted the Concertante di Chicago and studied , , and conducting. He two orchestras in Japan. Phone: 773-568-3818 s u b s equently enrolled at the Peabody Con- Fax: 773-785-5388 s e r v a t o r y i n B a ltimore, where he became Mr. Pratt’s extensive recordings on the www.nanm .org the first student in the institution’s history to EMI/Angel label include A Long Way earn diplomas in three performance areas— from Normal (1994—works by Bach, Mem bers Urged to p i a n o , v i olin and conducting. Brahms, Franck and Liszt), Beethoven: Maintain Up-to-Date Piano Sonatas (1996), Transformations Awadagin Pratt won the Naumberg Interna- (1999—works by Bach, Brahms and Mus- Contact Inform ation tional Piano Competition in 1992 and in 1994 sorgsky), and others. received an Avery Fisher Career Grant. He NANM Executive Secre- has played recitals in some of the nation’s Mr. Pratt is artistic director of the Next tary Ona B. Campell re- most prestigious concert venues, including Generation Festival, a two-week chamber quests that all members , the Kennedy Center, the music festival in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. update the national office Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Since 2004, he has been Assistant Profes- on any address changes and at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. His many sor/Artist-in-Residence at the College- so that mailing lists may orchestral performances include appear- Conservatory of Music of the University of be maintained accurately. ances with the , the . He performs duo recitals with Several items have re- Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Minnesota Or- cellist and participates in resi- cently been returned. chestra, and the St. Louis, National, Detroit, dency and outreach projects wherever Members are also asked and New Jersey Symphonies. Major summer he is engaged in performance. In Nor- to inform the national of- festival performances include Ravinia, Blos- folk, Mr. Pratt will facilitate W ednesday fice of known deaths som, W olf Trap, Caramoor, and Aspen, in afternoon’s Piano Master Class. the , and the Tokyo Mostly Mo- among our ranks. zart Festival. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4

2006 Honorees Cited for Exem plary Contributions to Page 3 Music, Arts Education, and Public Service The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. Dr. Carl W . Haywood, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, is a cum laude Officers President graduate of Norfolk State University. Roland M. Carter He earned the Master of Sacred Mu- First Vice President sic and the M.M. in choral conduct- David Morrow ing from Southern Methodist Univer- Second Vice President sity and the D.M.A. from the Univer- Glenn Jones (Left to right) Mr. W illiam F. Crum p, Dr. Carl G. Harris, s i t y of Southern California. At Nor- Executive Secretary Ona B. Cam pbell Dr. Carl W . Haywood, and Mrs. Helen B. Hunt folk State, he teaches conducting, Recording Secretary At W ednesday evening’s Dr. Carl G. Harris, Jr., theory, piano and organ, and is also Denise W illiam s Awards Banquet, four honor- pianist, organist, choral the Director of Choral Studies. Dr. Assistant Secretary ees will be extolled for their conductor and educator, Haywood serves as a clinician, adju- Arvis Jones dicator, guest conductor, and lec- Treasurer significant contributions to a native of Fayette, Mis- Dan Long the musical life and the pro- souri, is currently Profes- turer for schools, colleges, universi- Assistant Treasurer motion of arts education in sor of Music and the Uni- ties, and churches throughout the Jam es Butler

Greater Hampton Roads, versity Organist at Hamp- nation. A leading church musician, Eastern Region Director and/or the nation: ton University. He retired he was service music editor for Lift Cecilia Tucker Myers as Professor/Head of the Every Voice and Sing II: An African Central Region Director W illiam F. Crum p, a native Charles Cannon Department of Music and American Hymnal, (Church Publish- of Newport News, Virginia, Southern Region Director Conductor of the Concert ing Company of the Episcopal completed his baccalaureate Jowanda Jordan Choir at Norfolk State Uni- Church). He is also leading con- degree in music at Virginia Rocky Mountain Region Director versity and held the same tributor to Wonder, Love, and Praise Arthur C. Jones State College. After military positions at Virginia State (supplement to the Episcopal hym- W estern Region Director service, he toured for two University. Minister of nal). His compositions are found in Byron J. Sm ith seasons with the renowned Music Emeritus at Bank numerous other hymnals used in Board Mem bers dePaur Chorus. For 30 Geraldine Boone Street Memorial Baptist Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, and Arthur Evans years, Mr. Crump led a dis- Henrietta Fortson Church in Norfolk, Dr. Presbyterian churches. Organist and Mel Foster tinguished career teaching Harris earned the B.A. in choir director at Grace Episcopal Florietta Taylor music at the elementary and Louise Toppin music history from the Church in Norfolk, Dr. Haywood is Bennie W illiam s secondary levels in Ports- University of Missouri and active in a variety of Episcopal en- Junior Director mouth and Hampton, Vir- the D.M.A. in conducting deavors at the local, regional and David E. Robinson, III ginia. He earned an M.A. at from the Conservatory of national levels. Youth Director Hampton Institute. He is Janesia Fuller-Mosley Music, University of Mis- founder and has been direc- Helen Braxton Hunt is a Norfolk Scholarship Chair souri at Kansas City. He W illis C. Patterson tor of two prominent choral native, who earned her undergradu- holds memberships in ensembles—the Orpheon ate degree at St. Augustine’s Col- Cam pus Coordinator numerous professional Laura English Robinson Male Chorus (high school lege in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ad- organizations and has Journals and college students) and vanced studies were completed at George L. Nearing served on the Commis- Voices of Tidewater (mixed Columbia University, Old Dominion Life Mem ber Chair sion on Accreditation for voices). He has sung with the University, Virginia Commonwealth Marva Allen Murrell the National Association Peninsula Civic Opera, also University, and Norfolk State Univer- Fundraising/Developm ent of Schools of Music, the Jam es D. Ross serving on their board of sity. Mrs. Hunt has taught music and Norfolk Commission on Public Relations directors. He is currently sometimes English in Tennessee and Marilyn Thom pson the Arts and Humanities, director of the Music Minis- North Carolina, eventually settling and as a review panelist try and Senior Choir at into a distinctive 35-year career in and community, in- for the Virginia Commis- Carver Memorial Presbyte- the public schools of Norfolk, where cluding the Tidewater sion on the Arts and Hu- rian Church in Newport she served as a music teacher in ele- Area Musicians, Full manities. Dr. Harris has News. Mr. Crump is treas- mentary and middle grades. Mrs. Circle Food Prepara- made extensive tours of urer and a board member of Hunt is a member of Grace Episco- tion for AIDS patients, the United States and EduStar Performing Arts So- pal Church, where she sings in the Plumbline Ministries, Europe as a choral con- ciety, and also a member of choir and is an assistant to the chil- and the church- ductor and lecturer on numerous professional and dren’s choir director. A true hu- supported AIDS hos- “The Black Man in Ameri- civic organizations. manitarian, she is active in numer- pice, among many oth- can Music.” ous service endeavors in the church ers. REVERBERATIONS

Page 4 Raoul Abdul to Teach W arfield-Lee Dr. René Boyer to be Clinician for Vocal Master Class Music Education W orkshop A native of Cleveland, , Raoul Abdul earned a diploma wardsville, where she earned from the Vienna Academy of Mu- the B.M. and M.M., Dr. Boyer sic and also studied at Harvard received the Ed.D. at W ashing- University, the New School for ton University in St. Louis. She Social Research, the Cleveland has all levels of Orff Teacher- Institute of Music, New York Col- Training Certification and has lege of Music, and Mannes Col- completed Kodály Certification Raoul Abdul lege of Music. He maintains a vo- from the Danube Bend Summer cal studio in New York and regu- Raoul Abdul, singer, au- Dr. René Boyer University in Esztergom, Hun- larly conducts a “Lieder Klasse.” thor, voice teacher, and é gary. Dr. Boyer is Past Presi- Dr. Ren Boyer, Professor music journalist, will lend Mr. Abdul’s column, “Reading of Music Education and dent of the National Association his expertise to singers the Score,” appears weekly in director of Orff- for the Study and Performance in the W illiam W arfield- the New York Amsterdam News. Schulwerk at the College- of African American Music Sylvia Olden Lee Vocal He reviews concerts and pro- Conservatory of Music of (NASPAAM). She has been Master Class, this year vides information from the musi- the University of Cincin- guest clinician for numerous devoted to German cal heartbeat of the city. nati, will lead a workshop state, national, and international Lieder. All persons inter- in her specialty area on conferences, teacher in- Raoul Abdul is the author of sev- ested in performing Monday morning. services and courses of study. eral books, including Blacks in should contact Mr. Abdul She is the author of several : A Personal His- for an audition prior to A graduate of Southern publications. tory (Dodd Mead, 1977). Illinois University at Ed- the day of the session. Research Session to Feature NANM’s Contributions cred Music from Gerald Thom pson a n d African Am erican Art Song Developm ent to Lead Music Union Theological Greenfield: The Black Seminary, School of Technology Swan (1969), and Music. In May 2006, W orkshop Black Musicians in the she completed the Colonial Period Ed.D. in the Col- (1977). He is often lege Teaching of cited by researchers, Music at Teachers historians, and au- College, Columbia thors in books, arti- University. (Left to right) Arthur La Brew, Dr. Loñieta Thom p- cles, and liner notes. Marilyn Thompson son Cornwall and Marilyn Thom pson Dr. Loñieta Thompson is currently on the Tuesday morning’s from Oberlin Conser- Cornwall, assisted by music faculty in the Department of Fine Gerald Thom pson research session will vatory and M.M. Marilyn Thompson, offer presentations (musicology) from will present research Arts at Morgan State Gerald E. Thompson, In- from NANM members Manhattan School of from her dissertation, University. A structor of Music Technol- actively involved in Music. He also studied The African American graduate of Hamp- ogy at Norfolk State Uni- the study of African at the Mozarteum in Art Song: A Contin- ton Institute with a versity, will share his American music, his- Austria and has held uum in the Art of Song. B.A. in English, she knowledge on Monday tory, and traditions. faculty positions at On the music faculty earned the M.M. in afternoon. Mr. Thompson several institutions. vocal performance Arthur LaBrew’s pres- at Shaw University, holds undergraduate Mr. LaBrew has done at The Catholic Uni- entation title is Dr. Cornwall earned (Music Media) and gradu- extensive research on versity of America. “NANM’s Contribu- the B.M. in music the- ate degrees (Music Per- the early presence and She is a candidate tions to Black Ameri- ory/composition and formance) from Norfolk influence of African for the Ed.D. in the can Music History.” the M.M. in music State. He is a Pro Tools American musicians College Teaching of The Detroit native is a education and com- operator/engineer, a and has authored sev- Music at Teachers pianist, musicologist position from Manhat- digital video editor, and a eral books, including College, Columbia and educator, who tan School of Music, producer/songwriter. Elizabeth Taylor University. earned a B.M. (piano) and the Master of Sa- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4

Lee Ruth Blake, Storyteller-Actor, to Keynote on W ednesday P a g e 5 on how relating the NANM Storytellers’ League and Ruth Blake earned the B.A.

history to others is an invalu- the National Story in speech therapy from able public relations tool. League. Recent principal Hampton Institute and the acting roles on stage Ms. Blake, often called “the M.A., also in speech ther- have been with Don B. educator’s storyteller,” has apy, from The College of W elch Productions in woven tales and worked as New Jersey. She has co- Los Angeles and in the an actor for more than 20 authored an article in the New Jersey, Pennsyl- years. She enthralls multi- journal of the Language, vania, Delaware tri-state aged and intergenerational Speech-Hearing Association, area. Other companies audiences while using her and has been a speaker for Ruth Blake have included InterAct, background in theater, the Southern New Jersey Theatre International At W ednesday morning’s busi- speech/language therapy, Reading Council confer- Exchange, Stage W orks ness session, President Carter and education. She relates ence, ERIC South, and the Touring Company, Thea- has invited Ruth Blake, story- retold folktales and narrative New Jersey Speech/ tre Center Philadelphia, teller and actor, of Clementon, poems for organizations in Language and Hearing As- and Gilbert Lewis’ Rep- New Jersey, to keynote for the the New Jersey-Philadelphia sociation, with her work- ertory Group. Ms. Blake NANM body. Her presentation, area and beyond. She is a shop on “Effective Storytel- also does voice-overs “Telling Our Story,” will serve member of the Garden State ling Techniques.” to enlighten the membership and is a play reader. Dr. W illiam Banfield to Facilitate W ednesday “Hip-Hop for Dum m ies” W orkshop sic Programming at versity, where he de- Michigan. (London), Centaur, the Berklee College veloped the Undine and Innova labels. A prolific composer, of Music in . Smith Moore Collec- Dr. Banfield’s compo- Dr. Banfield is author Prior to this appoint- tion of Scores and sitions have been com- of Landscapes in ment, he was En- Manuscripts of Black missioned, performed Color: Conversations dowed Chair of Hu- Composers, a perma- and recorded by or- With Black American manities, Fine Arts, nent archives collec- chestras, including the Composers (2002), Professor of Music, tion and the annual National Symphony and Black Notes: Es- Dr. W illiam C. Banfield and Director of Extensions Concerts, and the symphonies of says of a Musician To further encourage American Cultural featuring the works of Atlanta, Dallas, Akron, Writing in a Post Al- and promote the bridg- Studies/Jazz, Popular, black composers, still Detroit, New York Vir- bum Age (2004). He ing of generations, Dr. and W orld Music in existence. tuoso, Grand Rapids, is also executive di- W illiam Banfield will Studies at the Univer- Dr. Banfield received Richmond, Toledo, rector of Videmus/ present a workshop, sity of St. Thomas in the B.M. from the New Savannah, Indianapo- Visionary Records, “Hip-Hop for Dum- Minnesota. During England Conservatory, lis, Sacramento, and and recently joined mies.” Dr. Banfield is the 1990s, Dr. Ban- a Master of Theologi- San Diego. His works Scarecrow Press as Professor of Africana field was Assistant cal Studies from Boston as a composer and jazz contributing editor Studies/Music and Soci- Professor of African University, and the artist are recorded on of Cultural Studies ety and Director of Afri- American Studies and DMA in Composition the Atlantic, TelArc, and Jazz Publica- cana Studies/Black Mu- Music at Indiana Uni- from the University of Collins Classics tions. Dr. Carl Haywood Conducts Annual Meeting Chorus Dr. Carl W . Haywood, Director of Choral At Norfolk State, Dr. Haywood con- Activities at Norfolk State University, and ducts the Concert Choir and the Spar- one of this year’s honorees, will conduct tan Chorale. A devoted teacher and the Annual Meeting Chorus in the friend of young musicians, he has W ednesday afternoon postlude concert on been affiliated with the university for Dr. Carl Haywood with the Norfolk July 26. 31 years. State University Choir during a per- Dr. Haywood is known for his thorough form ance at Reform ation Lutheran and vigorous teaching and conducting Support NANM! Church in Newport News, Virginia style. He inspires those under his tutelage in 2005. to reach toward their highest potential. Pay your dues today! REVERBERATIONS

Page 6 Panel to Lead Thursday Morning Discussion on Spirituals entry scholarship assis- the sacred songs called tance to promising Afri- ‘spirituals,’ created and can American singers at first sung by enslaved the senior high school Africans in America in the level. 18th and 19th centuries.” A native of the Bahama Islands, Mr. Cleare has Formally incorporated in lived and worked in 1998, the Spirituals Pro- Central Florida since ject has become a multi- (Left to right) Preservation panelists— Randye Jones, Michael Morgan, 1 975. He attended Be- dimensional, multi- Rudolph Cleare and Dr. Arthur Jones thune-Cookman Col- media, and even multi- racial effort to educate Reinforcing the importance of vides lectures, seminars and lege, where he sang the world about African projecting the Spiritual to its other presentations to commu- with the institution’s American history and cul- rightful place in American mu- nity organizations, schools and concert chorale. He ture. Their aim is to “both sic history, President Carter has churches, sharing this rich holds the B.S. in biology initiate and provide spon- invited three committed preser- genre of American music. from Saint Meinrad Col- vationists to discuss their work lege in Indiana, and the sorship for a wide pro- and visions. They will present In 2006, the foundation Master of Divinity gram of activities which their ideas and will share re- launched a five-week (Theology and Educa- all have the goal of offer- ports on their involvements. “Spirituals Festival” in San tion) from the Saint ing public audiences con- Diego, with presentations of Meinrad Graduate tinuing cultural functions Randye Jones is a soprano and choral, solo vocal, and instru- School of Theology, of the spirituals in the researcher who has gained in- mental renditions of spirituals, where he engaged in United States and ternational recognition for her culminating in a finale includ- vocal studies. As an abroad.” research of African American ing over 150 participants from ordained Roman Catho- vocalists and composers the San Diego Master Chorale lic priest, Mr. Cleare Since 1999, the Spirituals through her website, Afrocen- and the Martin Luther King, Jr. directed the Office of Project has sponsored a tric Voices in Classical Music Community Choir, also of San Black Community Min- 75-voice choir, with per- (Please see www.afrovoices. Diego. This concert was con- istry and Haitian Com- sonnel from varying eth- com). Her research project, ducted by Dr. Roland M. munity Ministry for the nic, professional and The Art of the Negro Spiritual, Carter, Morgan’s mentor and Diocese of Orlando socio-economic back- has been profiled in Billboard. former professor at Hampton from 1986-1997. He is a grounds. The choir has Ms. Jones has served as a con- Institute. skilled innovator in the produced three re- sultant for The Kennedy Center diversification of man- cordings. Honors and The W ashington Michael Morgan earned the B.S. aged philanthropy and Chorus. Ms. Jones is currently in Music Education at Hampton. patronage funding, es- on the library staff at Grinnell He has been heard with numer- Dr. Jones, a clinical psy- pecially related to cul- chologist, tenor, and College in Iowa. She earned ous operatic, choral, and sym- tural and fine arts. He is NANM board member, is the B.A. in Music Education phonic organizations through- also a leader in the author of the award- from Bennett College and the out the United States and practical application of winning Wade in the Wa- M.M. in Vocal Performance at abroad. He was a featured per- arts education to curric- ter: The Wisdom of the Florida State University. Her former with the Albert McNeil ula for youth develop- Spirituals, released in debut recording of spirituals, Jubilee Singers of Los Angeles. ment. Come Down Angels, was re- He is in demand for his course, 2005 in its third edition by the Leave a Little Room leased in 2003 on AhhJay Re- “Negro Spirituals and Their Arthur C. Jones, Foundation. He is also cords. Biblical Foundations.” Ph.D., is founder and editor, with his brother, chair of the board of Michael Morgan, bass- Rudolph C. Cleare is manag- Dr. Ferdinand Jones, of directors of the Spiritu- baritone, is founder and execu- ing director and executive vice The Triumph of the Soul: als Project in Denver, tive director of the African president of the Negro Spiritual Cultural and Psychological Colorado. According to American Music Foundation, a Scholarship Foundation, an or- Aspects of African Ameri- their website, (www. non-profit, 501(c)(3) organiza- ganization founded in 1996 to can Music, published by spiritualsproject.org), tion dedicated to the preserva- preserve the heritage of Negro Praeger, in 2000. their mission is “To pre- tion, education and presenta- Spirituals sung by the solo serve and revitalize the tion of the African American voice, and to provide college- music and teachings of Spiritual. The foundation pro- VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4

African Am erican Art Page 7 Morehouse College Glee Club Song Alliance to Celebrate essential to attending More- 10th Anniversary at P e r f o r m s Stirring Spring h o u s e . “ T h e p urpose of that February 2007 Conference Perform ance in Denver gathering was to inspire the young men in the audience, to let them see what they could accomplish,” said Gipson. “Many of our young men today don’t know anything about all- black colleges, much less believing that they can at- tend them.” W illiams was (Left to right) George Shirley, Director of Vocal The Morehouse Glee Club and their director, Arts at the University of Michigan; Dr. W illis C. particularly impressed with Patterson, Professor Em eritus and form er Asso- Dr. David Morrow, NANM First Vice President the young men’s demeanor. ciate Dean of the School of Music at the Univer- By Abby Ellis “Some of the Morehouse sity of Michigan; and Dr. Darryl Daylor, foun- (Special contributor to Reverberations) m e n t a l k e d a b o u t h o w t h e y der of the African Am erican Art Song Alliance. For the first time in its 90-year career, the are taught more than aca- The African American Art Song Alliance, Morehouse Glee Club paid a visit in May to demics,” she recalls. “They founded by Dr. Darryl Taylor, will cele- Denver, Colorado, where it performed to an are taught leadership brate the tenth anniversary of its found- enthusiastic audience at the New Hope Bap- skills—how to become ing at an African American Art Song tist Church. The concert, preceded by a leaders in the African Conference, held February 9-12 at the community luncheon, was sponsored by the American community. One University of California, Irvine. The Alli- Alphonse Robinson African American Musi- of the young men talked ance is inviting performers, teachers, cians Association, the Colorado Morehouse about how he wanted to be scholars, and music lovers to attend. Alumni, and the Spirituals Project. “W e had a leader in the world, and Featured events include a master class been wanting this fine group to come here how, at Morehouse, they by George Shirley, Joseph Edgar Maddy for years,” said Bennie W illiams, ARAAMA learn ways for African- Professor of Voice at the University of president, NANM board member, and direc- American males to be suc- Michigan, and a keynote speech by Dr. tor of the Spirituals Project Choir. The op- cessful. The underlying W illis Patterson, Professor Emeritus of portunity to bring the Glee Club to Denver premise of Morehouse is to Music at the University of Michigan and occurred at a recent NANM meeting, when help them build leadership NANM Past President. The conference Dr. David Morrow, the group’s director, and skills; self-respect is a will also feature performances by inter- W illiams discussed the possibility of pro- given… it’s part of their nationally renowned singers and instru- ducing a concert there. Upon returning to character when they arrive mentalists, in addition to scholarly panel Denver, W illiams broached the idea to Dr. at the college.” W illiam Gipson, former chairman of the discussions and paper presentations. Under Dr. Morrow’s direc- Denver Morehouse College Alumni Associa- tion, the Glee Club pre- Also commemorated during the confer- tion, and the three worked out the details. sented a varied program of ence will be the 30th anniversary of Art “One of my greatest pleasures has been to classical, gospel, spiritual Songs by Black American Composers, offer leadership for the Morehouse men in and contemporary music, compiled by Dr. Patterson and pub- Colorado,” said Gipson, a 1944 Morehouse including the “Morehouse lished in 1977 by Edward B. Marks (Hal graduate, who has been the mainstay of the College Hymn,” also featur- Leonard). Denver alumni organization. “I was de- ing selections by the More- lighted at the prospect of bringing the More- Attendees are encouraged to register house College Quartet. house spirit here, because I feel strongly their intent, though no registration fee is “Even as they came into the about encouraging the young men who fol- required. All events will be free and sanctuary, you knew you lowed me.” open to the public. For further informa- were watching people who tion, please call Shirley Field at 949-824- The ensemble, consisting of 84 members, knew what they were there 6615 or visit www.darryltaylor.com/ arrived a day ahead of the concert, in time to do; they were intense,” alliance.html. to be the honored guests at the AARAMA W illiams commented. “The luncheon, at which they spoke with various entire experience was one The last NANM Annual Meeting prospective students, and other young peo- of watching discipline and hosted by the Tidewater Area ple, about their potential, stressing that aca- feeling joy.” Musicians was held in 1990. demic achievement, rather than money, was REVERBERATIONS

Page 8 Recently Released Recordings

Television and Radio and has per- formed at La Piccola Scala in Milan.

Orchestral appearances include the Harlem Festival Orchestra, the Bos- ton Orchestra and Chorale, and the

Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra.

Mr. Thompson was awarded the Com poser-trum peter Anthony Branker first Individual Artist Award for Com poser-pianist Richard Thom pson classical music composition from Spirit Songs is the latest release by Poetry Prelude: The Music of Richard the Brooklyn Arts Council in 1999. Anthony Branker and Ascent on Thompson, was released this spring by The winning work, The Legend of the Sons of Sound label. Its intent, Videmus Records through Albany Re- the Moors, premiered at the Brook- according to the composer, is “to cords. This recording features two lyn Conservatory that same year. It celebrate life and touch the soul.” song cycles: Dream Variations (poetry depicts the Moors’ presence and The seven jazz compositions are of Langston Hughes) sung by tenor, influence in Spain during the Mid- performed by Ascent, whose Darryl Taylor, and The Shadow of dle Ages. Thompson’s Voices was members are Antonio Hart, alto Dawn (poetry of Paul Laurence Dun- premiered in 2000 by the Long Is- saxophone; Ralph Bowen, tenor bar) sung by soprano, Louise Toppin. land Sound Symphony Orchestra. Also included is Six Preludes for Piano, and soprano saxophone; Clifford The Shadow of Dawn was pre- performed by the composer, and a Adams, trombone; Jonny King, miered in New York at Merkin Con- piano; John Benitez, bass; and setting of the spiritual, Wade in the cert Hall in 2000 by soprano, Chris- Water, arranged for jazz quartet. Ralph Peterson, drums. tine Moore, with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, under the ba- ton of Richard Auldon Clark. The voice and piano score is published by MMB Music. Dream Variations was commis- sioned by Dr. Taylor and pre- miered by him and the composer at the piano at the University of Cali- fornia at Irvine in 2005. It is also published by MMB. The tenor has performed Thompson’s songs at over a dozen universities across the country as part of his celebration of Hughes. Richard Thompson earned his un- dergraduate degree in Music from Anthony Branker is senior lecturer Mr. Thompson is currently Assistant the University of Edinburgh, Scot- in music and conducting at Prince- Professor of Music at San Diego State land. He completed graduate stud- ton University, where he also University, where he teaches jazz per- ies in jazz at Rutgers University, serves as associate director of the formance and history. His perform- where he studied jazz piano per- Program in Musical Performance. ance and composition styles resist a formance with Kenny Barron and Last fall, he was Visiting Professor single category, often combining classical piano with Ted Lettvin. He at the Estonian Academy of Music European and African American idi- also holds a jazz diploma from The in Tallinn, Estonia, as a Fulbright oms. Berklee College of Music. A discus- Scholar. He has been honored by Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, sion of some of Mr. Thompson’s the U.S. Department of Education Mr. Thompson debuted as a concert compositions may be found in Earl with a Presidential Scholars pianist at the Purcell Room in the Royal Stewart’s textbook, African Ameri- Teacher Recognition Award, the Festival Hall in London. He has ap- can Music: An Introduction (1998, Institute for Arts and Humanities peared in live broadcasts for BBC Jazz Simon & Schuster). Education Distinguished Teaching and Classical Radio, Italian National (Continued on Page 9) VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 Recent Recordings Page 9

(Continued from Page 8) Award, the International Associa- tion of Jazz Educators Award for Outstanding Service to Jazz Educa- tion, and the 2004 Alumni Award, presented by the Association of Black Princeton Alumni.

Mr. Branker has served as a mem- Caroline Gibson, Soprano ber of the jazz faculty at the Manhat- tan School of Music; professor of On Ma Journey Now: Negro Spirituals in music, director of jazz studies, and Concert, featuring Caroline Gibson, so- director of performance studies at prano, with Francis Conlon, piano, was Hunter College of the City Univer- released in May. This debut recording sity of New York; chairperson of the tin Hybner, vibraphone, and Dagmar is distributed by Twin Productions, a Department of Music at Ursinius Platilova, harpsichord; and Seasons of company founded by the soprano and College, and instrumental music Gold, a song cycle by Lee T. McQuil- her twin sister, Carol Gibson. The vol- coordinator and head of jazz stud- lan, featuring Linda Lister, soprano. ume contains 12 spiritual arrangements, ies for the New Jersey Summer Arts including such standards as “On Ma W illiams, a familiar face to NANM Institute at Rutgers University. Journey Now,” arranged by Boatner, members, is a professor of composi- and “He’s Got the W hole W orld in His A graduate of the University of Mi- tion at the Berklee College of Music. Hands,” arranged by Margaret Bonds. ami with the M.M. in jazz pedagogy, His works have been performed by Mr. Branker also holds a B.A. in mu- the New York Philharmonic, the Dr. Gibson, a native of the W ashington, sic and a certificate in African Cleveland Orchestra, the Dallas Sym- D.C. metropolitan area, holds the B.A. American Studies from Princeton phony, and many others. His compo- and M.M. degrees in Voice from The University. He is currently a candi- sitions are published by MMB, Augs- Catholic University of America, and the date for the Ed.D. in the College burg Fortress, Carl Fischer, W arner D.M.A., also in Voice from the University Teaching of Music at Teachers Col- Brothers, and Lawson-Gould. W il- of Iowa at Iowa City. She has extensive lege, Columbia University. liams has made conducting appear- experience as a solo artist in concerts in ances with the orchestras of Dallas, Italy, Mexico, Romania and the Virgin Hartford, Akron, New Haven, Ver- Islands. mont, Sacramento, Knoxville, Savan-

nah, Tulsa, W ooster, and Dubrovnik. He has also conducted the Brno State Philharmonic, the Bohuslav Martinu

Philharmonic, the Prague Radio Sym- phony, the Dvorak Symphony, and the Connecticut Opera. W illiams’s

recordings are on the Albany and Videmus labels. He is the recipient Conductor-com poser Julius P. W illiam s of numerous honors, including the

Midnight Tolls: Julius P. Williams DuPont Scholar, ASCAP, and Astral Conducts American Composers, is Foundation Awards. an album of orchestral music per- A native New Yorker, Julius W illiams formed by the Dvorak Symphony is a graduate of Herbert Lehman Col-

Orchestra, and was recently re- lege with the B.S. in music and of leased by Albany Records. Mr. W il- Hartt School of Music with the M.M.E. liams’s own composition, bearing He was recently awarded an honor-

the same title as the album, is subti- ary Doctor of Arts from Keene State tled In Memoriam September 11, College of the University of New A companion DVD, The Making of On Ma 2001. Other works include Sym- Hampshire. W illiams is the laureate Journey Now, is available, along with the phony No. 1, by Thomas W . Ho- music director of the W ashington compact disc, at www.twinproduc- jnacki; Mystic Valley Autumn, by (D.C.) Symphony Orchestra. tions.org. Armand Qualliotine, featuring Mar-

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Dr. Charles Cannon Lori Hicks Nam ed Central President Carter to be Honored by Region Vocal Com petition Awarded Honorary Alabam a A & M Alum ni W inner Mem bership in as Educator of the Year Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity President Roland M. Carter will be awarded Honorary Member- ship by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity on July 21 in a private ceremony during the fraternity’s national convention in Cleve- land. Dr. Carter is receiving this Dr. Charles Cannon honor because of his “contri- bution to the cause of American Dr. Charles E. Cannon of Chicago, At the Central Region NANM conference in music in society.” NANM Central Region Director, Cleveland, Ohio, on April 21, Lori Hicks, was honored as the “Mark of Ex- soprano, of Detroit (fourth from left above) Phi Mu Alpha, founded in 1898, cellence” Educator of the Year by was named first place winner. She will is the nation’s oldest and largest the Michigan Chapter of the Ala- compete in the National Scholarship Com- music fraternity. Previous desig- bama A & M University Alumni petition on Sunday, July 23, in Norfolk, Vir- nees for this honor have in- Association in Detroit on April 29. ginia. Other contestants were: (left to right) cluded Duke Ellington, Van Cli- Festivities were held at the chap- Rebecca Cummings, soprano, of Colum- burn, Leonard Slatkin, and ter’s Founder’s Day/Honors Schol- bus, Ohio (third place); Joy-Denise Moore, Henry Steinway. Dr. Carter will arship Banquet at the Marygrove soprano, of Chicago (fourth place); and be known as a “Signature Sinfo- College Conference Center. Gary Roebuck, baritone, also of Chicago nian,” recognizing his high level (second place). of achievement.