September Glee Concert Report
By Avery Simpson
Introduction
On September 11, 2024, the Spelman College and Morehouse College Glee Clubs performed at the State Farm Arena in collaboration with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Utah. Spelman’s Glee Club was conducted by Dr. Kevin Johnson, who also played the piano for the group and has composed music for the school. The music showcased was versatile and dynamic, highlighting the different components of music such as texture, lyrics, rhythm, harmony, and more as they explored various genres. The performers did an excellent job showcasing their skills and professionalism as musicians in front of such a large audience.
Description
Below is a list of pieces showcased in the performance.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir:
- Alleluia Fanfare/Praise to the Lord the Almighty
- With Joyful Voices Ringing
- How Excellent Thy Name and Alleluia
- Alleluia from Psalm 150
- Ah el Novio no Quiero Dinero
- Gamelan
- Music Everywhere
- In the Garden
- To God Be the Glory
Morehouse College Glee:
- Great and Glorious
- I Ain’t Got Weary Yet
Spelman College Glee:
- Wade in the water
- Children Go Where I Send Thee
- A choice to change the world
Mormon Tabernacle Choir x Morehouse College Glee x Spelman College Glee
- Angels Among Us
- How great thou art
- Songs for the People
- Come Thou Art of Every Blessing
- Battle Hymn of the Republic
- Georgia on My Mind
This concert was my first time being introduced to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, my reintroduction to Morehouse College Glee, and a reminder of the talents of Spelman College Glee. I’ll speak on a peace from each choir. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s “Alleluia” sounded as if all the members were one. Choir members’ voices blended together seamlessly and were still able to sound gentle, leading to their build-up, and they collectively ended on a somber note. The orchestra did a great job at adding texture to the music and progressing the singers’ sound. Overall, this was a very beautiful and peaceful blend to witness between the musicians and singers.
From Morehouse College Glee, I appreciated the harmonies and rounds sung during “Great and Glorious.” The lyrics speak on the lord’s mightiness, and I feel their voices, too, sound mighty and unified with a slight mellowness. Their layered voices helped tell a story. While listening, I imagined a scene of strong Black knights defending their king.
From Spelman College Glee, “Wade in the Water” impressed me. Most notably, the operatic trills and whistle notes. They delivered this song with passion and intention. Listening to it felt like a mission with highs and lows was unfolding in front of me. The soloist also had a very powerful and sultry voice that was nice to hear as an overlay with the choir.
Evaluation
Though I wasn’t at the concert in person, just from watching it online, it is clear all of the performers were well-trained and strong, making it a concert worth witnessing. I always appreciate Black representation, especially in major spaces like the State Farm Arena, and I think our mere presence as Black musicians in that space is already impressive as is. I find that the concert mostly kept me engaged because of its diverse setlist, with each choir adding their own personal feel to the music that represents them, and there was an array of instruments to compliment said setlist. There’s something special about listening to music live, and there are so many ways to give it more dimension in a choir, as demonstrated by Spelman College.
Conclusion
One of the speakers at the concert said that music is a universal hand of fellowship. Another stated, “For a century and more, the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs have sung at state occasions, the funerals of world figures, global sporting events, and special gatherings of all kinds,” and, “Their performances have helped shape the soul of our nation.” I think these quotes highlight the significance of Spelman Glee, alongside the Mormon Tabernacle and Morehouse Choir’s, ability to leave a mark on an audience. I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to Spelman Glee extensively aside from performances during events like Founders Day or Convocation, but I am excited to see what they have in store for their future performances based on what they showcased last week.
Big Shoutout to SpelHouse Glee For Their Hard Work and Talents!

One Response
Good evening Avery!
It was so nice to read this article. I love how easy to read this post is and how in depth you went about the Spelman Glee Club performances. I learned a lot from your blog post and I look forward to seeing more!
Best,
Nia Robertson