2008 Woodie Awards
Concert to honor musical heritage
Lacey McLaughlin
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Entertainment
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"That was dynamite," Kyle Marrero, Music Department Chair said as the UWF singers harmoniously belted out the last line of the gospel hymn "Amazing Grace."
During a rehearsal Friday, the UWF Singers prepared for the choral concert, "Fade to Black: A Celebration of Black History," Feb. 19 at 7:30 at the Music Hall in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Along with the UWF Singers, the Gospel Choir, the Madrigals and guest soloist Kristen Marie Hill will also perform.
The concert will feature songs and readings that honor the struggles of black Americans and civil rights heroes from the past and present.
"The idea is that the songs feature Negro spirituals, patriotic, and folk songs," Marrero said.
Dramatic readings from people who have had a voice in the civil rights movement will include quotes from John F. Kennedy Jr., Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Interspersed in the music, the readings will have a flow in telling the struggle of African-Americans," said Marrero.
Guest conductor Gary Packwood, assistant professor of music at the University of Montevallo has been invited to join the performance.
"Gary is a great inspiration, and we are honored to have him come," Marrero said.
After a devastating car accident left Packwood without his right arm, he persevered through physical therapy and earned his doctorate in Musical Arts at Louisiana State University.
"I believe that the concert goes beyond merely honoring Black History
Month," said Packwood in an e-mail. "It is really a concert that recognizes all Americans - black, white, red, yellow, or what have you. The concert, as I see it, is time to reflect and appreciate the many accomplishments of a few Americans who have, either
directly, or indirectly, allowed so many to have the opportunities of today."
Nakia Coleman, a member of the UWF Singers, said that the performance has personal meaning to her.
"I'm brought into this music because it's what I have been raised on," said Coleman. "I hope it will leave people with something special."
She said her personal favorite hymn in the performance is "Let Everything That Hath Breath."
"The song is upbeat and exciting, and I can remember growing up and singing it at church," she said.
Chip Cothran, another member of the choir, said he is looking forward to the performance.
"What's cool about this concert is the music, but it's not only about the music," he said. "There is a lot of speaking, and quotes from lots of African-American leaders. The whole night will not just be about music but also about the rich tradition that we have. It tells a story, not only of a struggle, but also of victory."
During a rehearsal Friday, the UWF Singers prepared for the choral concert, "Fade to Black: A Celebration of Black History," Feb. 19 at 7:30 at the Music Hall in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Along with the UWF Singers, the Gospel Choir, the Madrigals and guest soloist Kristen Marie Hill will also perform.
The concert will feature songs and readings that honor the struggles of black Americans and civil rights heroes from the past and present.
"The idea is that the songs feature Negro spirituals, patriotic, and folk songs," Marrero said.
Dramatic readings from people who have had a voice in the civil rights movement will include quotes from John F. Kennedy Jr., Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Interspersed in the music, the readings will have a flow in telling the struggle of African-Americans," said Marrero.
Guest conductor Gary Packwood, assistant professor of music at the University of Montevallo has been invited to join the performance.
"Gary is a great inspiration, and we are honored to have him come," Marrero said.
After a devastating car accident left Packwood without his right arm, he persevered through physical therapy and earned his doctorate in Musical Arts at Louisiana State University.
"I believe that the concert goes beyond merely honoring Black History
Month," said Packwood in an e-mail. "It is really a concert that recognizes all Americans - black, white, red, yellow, or what have you. The concert, as I see it, is time to reflect and appreciate the many accomplishments of a few Americans who have, either
directly, or indirectly, allowed so many to have the opportunities of today."
Nakia Coleman, a member of the UWF Singers, said that the performance has personal meaning to her.
"I'm brought into this music because it's what I have been raised on," said Coleman. "I hope it will leave people with something special."
She said her personal favorite hymn in the performance is "Let Everything That Hath Breath."
"The song is upbeat and exciting, and I can remember growing up and singing it at church," she said.
Chip Cothran, another member of the choir, said he is looking forward to the performance.
"What's cool about this concert is the music, but it's not only about the music," he said. "There is a lot of speaking, and quotes from lots of African-American leaders. The whole night will not just be about music but also about the rich tradition that we have. It tells a story, not only of a struggle, but also of victory."
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