Introduction
For nearly a century, the Tabernacle Choir has performed music that touches on people’s joys, trials, and hopes worldwide. Their chorus consists of 360- members (women and men). Some of their noteworthy accomplishments have been performing at the inaugurations of U.S. presidents, in concert halls in countries such as Asia and Europe, and on the streaming platforms Apple Music and Spotify.
Spelman College glee club originated in 1924 and has performed a plethora of selections ranging from commissioned works to sacred and secular choral literature. Spelman’s glee club is directed by Dr. Kevin Johnson and has traveled throughout the United States to various churches, colleges, and universities.
Event
On September 11th, 2024, Spelman College performed at the State Farm arena in Atlanta, Georgia, along with the Morehouse College glee club. An arrangement of songs was sung, such as “Wade in the Water,” “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” and “A Choice to Change the World.” Of these songs, “A Choice to Change the World” touched my spirit the most. Of the musical elements of harmony, tone, lyrics, and pitch, the tune’s harmony is motivational, profound, and overall positive. The pitch is a middle ground. The tone is joyful and powerful. In addition, the lyrics, “It’s my voice, and I speak with pride and courage,” and “I’ll be the change I want to see” are most impactful in that they remind students that their voice is a tool, a medium, to enact a change in their immediate and external environments. The statement “I’ll be the change I want to see” encourages students to show up as themselves and encourage others to reimagine what the world will look like when different worlds collide.
Conclusion
Overall, the Spelman College glee club’s performance was impactful. It displayed that music and movement is a spiritual experience that must be celebrated in all cultures, lives, and everyday experiences. The glee club’s performance combined percussion, sound, and movement, which built a positive rhythm and tone.
