November 9, 2005

Purdue Symphonic Band, Black Voices concert to honor Rosa Parks

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Months ago, the Purdue Symphonic Band joined forces with the Black Voices of Inspiration from Purdue's Black Cultural Center to plan a musical tribute to Rosa Parks on the 50th anniversary of her courageous decision to sit in the front of the bus – a moment that helped spark the civil rights movement.

After Parks, 92, passed away, the concert took on greater dimensions, said Symphonic Band director Jay Gephart. The "Tribute to Rosa" concert will be at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St. Admission is free.

The event, which marks the first time the Symphonic Band and the Black Voices of Inspiration have collaborated on a project. It features Mark Camphouse's "A Movement for Rosa" along with a mixture of spirituals and symphonic band works.

"Our original intent was a tribute to Rosa's stand on civil rights," Gephart said. "Now, with her death, we not only want to recognize that event but create a musical tribute to her entire life."

"A Movement for Rosa," the concert's signature piece, chronicles the life of Rosa Parks in three sections.

"The opening is rather picturesque and tranquil, depicting the early years of her life from birth to marriage," Gephart said, "The middle portion deals with the strife surrounding her work for social equality and justice."

The haunting theme of "We Shall Overcome" threads through each of the sections, most particularly in the work's final moments when it returns to musical themes heard at the beginning but with a feeling of strength and serenity, Gephart said.

The Symphonic Band joins with the Black Voices for John Williams' "Dry Your Tears, Afrika" from the movie "Amistad." The lyrics, drawn from a poem of the same name by Bernard Dadie, will be sung in an African dialect. The two groups also present "Five American Gospel Songs," a medley by Luigi Zaninelli, which contains bits and pieces of "Amazing Grace, "Give Me That Old-time Religion" and "Eye on the Sparrow." It will be performed by Twana Harris, artist-in-residence at the Black Cultural Center.

The Black Voices' a cappella contribution to the "Tribute to Rosa" will be a grouping of spirituals that highlight the struggle, faith and determination of African-Americans throughout history. Two selections, "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord" and "Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart," are by famed African-American composer Moses Hogan. They will also sing one of Hall Johnson's most celebrated arrangements, "I've Been 'Buked," as well as the timeless classic "Give Me Jesus," arranged by Harris.

"The songs by the Black Voices of Inspiration will highlight both the struggle, faith and determination of African-Americans throughout history," said BCC director Renee Thomas. "The members of the Black Cultural Center are honored to participate in this musical tribute to a woman that helped shape our history and nation."

Gephart chose the "Apollo Unleashed" movement from Frank Ticheli's "Symphony No. 2" to end the concert.

"To me, Apollo in the title represents the energy and drive for life that Rosa had," he said. "The interjection of a Bach chorale into the piece provides a sacred undertone that serves as a spiritual anchor. It's meant to drawn attention to the fact that faith played an integral part in the life of Rosa Parks."

Purdue's Fall Concert Band, directed by M.T. "Mo" Trout, will open the concert, performing "Ghost Dance" by African-American composer Quincey Hilliard, "Hopak," a Hungarian dance by David Holsinger, and "The Music Makers" by Alfred Reed, a prominent band composer who died recently.

Writer: Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations director, (765) 496-6785, kcmatter@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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