Before last night I knew that Spelman was a historically Black college, but nothing else about it. In the lead up to the event I had learned that it was a woman-only school in Atlanta. The show program told me the school was founded in the late 1880s, became Spelman in 1924, and that the glee club had been existence since 1925. The group sings both sacred and secular music with a focus on traditional spirituals and music by African American composers.
We got there about 15 minutes before the show started and chatted with fellow parishioners and friends. The stage was a set of risers placed in front of the altar with a black curtains backdrop. Right on time the approximately 30 singers filed down from the back and took their places. The women were dressed in long black skirts, scoop neck tee shirts, and pearls. After some introductory remarks, they settled themselves and began singing.
Their voices melded beautifully, and the harmonies were amazing. All of the soloists were wonderful. There was a group of Spelman alumni there, and at the end of the second half they were invited to join the glee club on stage to sing the school song.
This is one of the songs I heard last night. (In an interesting twist, last night a huge rain storm started right before the song began. The heavy drops hitting the church's roof made for an amusing counterpoint.)
Five years ago today: Fact O'The Day
Sounds so beautiful, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely and inspirational.
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