August 30, 2004
Black Cultural Center's Voices of Inspiration gets new director
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Black Voices of Inspiration, a choral group at Purdue University's Black Cultural Center, will start the 2004-05 academic year with a new choral director and artist-in-residence.
Twana A. Harris, Indianapolis, will be responsible for conducting weekly master choral classes and preparing the ensemble for performance engagements. She will assist ensemble participants in gaining an understanding and appreciation for the African-American experience through music.
"We are very pleased that such a talented, experienced and energetic artist and director has accepted this position," said Renee Thomas, director of the Black Cultural Center. "Her vitality and vision, combined with the talented students under her direction, will make a musical partnership that will benefit all who come to listen."
Harris has served as director of choirs at Arlington High School in Indianapolis for the past three years, conducting three ensembles. The Arlington choir recently released a CD entitled "Just the Beginning" that was written, played and performed by Harris and the student choir.
She earned a bachelor's degree in music education at Lincoln University and is pursuing a graduate degree at Christian Theological Seminary.
In addition to teaching, her professional experience includes 15 years as a composer and arranger. She also has directed gospel choirs for the church and community, teaches piano and voice, and has experience in studio recording.
Harris is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the Music Educators Association. She is a recipient of the Vocal Extravaganza in Black Solo Award, an honor received in a competition among black university choirs and soloists.
CONTACT: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu
Writer: Reni Winter, (765) 496-3133, rwinter@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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