SPELMAN GLEE CLUB
The Spelman College Glee Club was founded in 1925, which means they will celebrate the club’s centennial. Spelman’s Glee Club has a renowned reputation for musical excellence, specializing in various genres, including classical choral works, spirituals, and contemporary music. The group has performed at prestigious venues across the country, including the White House. The concert will be reviewed on this very page hosted at the State Farm Arena. Spelman Glee Club regularly collaborates with the Morehouse College Glee Club. Known for its rich harmonies and cultural significance, the Spelman Glee Club continues to inspire audiences with its artistry and commitment to preserving African American musical traditions.
Negro Spirituals are a genre of religious folk music that originated during slavery in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. These spirituals were deeply rooted in the experiences of slaves, their strong Christian faith, and African musical traditions. Through music, spirituals expressed emotions such as sorrow, fear, and hope while conveying messages related to escape and resistance. They included various characteristics such as call and response, improvisation, and themes of faith and liberation.
The Spelman Glee Club began their performance with “Wade in the Water,” featuring a powerful soloist whose emotive delivery set the tone for the piece. As the choir progressed, their passion grew, skillfully using mezzo-forte and mezzo-piano dynamics to express the depth of the spiritual narrative. The accompanist matched this intensity, making it clear the group was fully immersed in the music.
Next was “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” another Negro Spiritual enriched with body percussion, dance, and drum accompaniment. A standout moment came when a soloist stepped forward, seamlessly incorporating a rap verse into the performance. This unexpected fusion of modern culture with a traditional spiritual added a refreshing, contemporary twist without losing the depth of the original.
The final song was “A Choice to Change the World,” featuring two soloists leading the choir. Although it’s not a spiritual song, it conveys the same feelings of hope and strength through its dynamics and harmonies. I believe it was a powerful way to end the club’s performance, showcasing the values and mission of Spelman College. The performers embodied these values throughout the entire song. With an all women’s choir and three strong soloists, it truly represented Spelman as an institution.
4 Responses
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I loved the way you formatted this and that you included some of Glee Club’s history!! 10/10 post