Spelhouse Glee Takes on State Farm Arena

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs accompanied the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Utah at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tabernacle Choir’s performance was a part of their World Tour of Hope: a celebration of unity, love, and faith through music. Conductors Dr. Kevin Johnson (Spelman College) and Dr. David Morrow (Morehouse College) led the singing students through a beautiful concert full of Negro spirituals and Gospel songs.

Morehouse College’s Glee Club sang Great and Glorious; music by Franz Joseph Haydn and arranged by Joseph S. Daltry. The men also sang I Ain’t Got Weary Yet, arranged by Courtney Carey, with an excellent solo by Jordan Stewart. 

The ladies of Spelman blessed us with a beautiful rendition of Wade in the Water arranged by Dr. Kevin Johnson featuring a solo by Krista Campbell. Then Children Go Where I Send Thee with a rap crafted by Ayanna Davis, performed by Ariana Swindell and Krista Campbell, adding another amazing solo. Last, my personal favorite, Spelman Glee, performed A Choice to Change the World, which was composed by Dr. Kevin Johnson and lyrics by Sarah Stevens. Three soloists included Dana Karyn, Ava Challenger, and Jewel Walker.

The Glee Clubs joined the Tabernacle Choir for a series of songs included Songs for the People, a poem written by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, arranged by Mack Wilberg. 

Spelman and Morehouse’s Glee Clubs absolutely excelled in performing in front of their broad range of audiences. Showcasing the rhythm that runs through their blood, the performances included clamping, rocking, subtle dance movements, drums, pianos, and so much more. It’d be a shame if I didn’t highlight Spelman’s drummer, first-year student, Maddy Walsh. The Songs for the People rendition stuck out to me as I used the text in a poetry recitation competition. It was intriguing to see how it was arranged in song form. The choirs definitely put on a show to remember the anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11, evoking emotion.  Students say that highlights of their experience was spending time with their siblings as well as meeting Kristen Chenoweth, actress and singer who is known for her role in several musicals.

One Response

  1. I love the number of pictures you included in this post! They help break up the text and make it easier to read without being overwhelming. I also really like the title. The phrase “take on” positively captures Spelhouse Glee Club’s successful performance. Your writing is both descriptive and concise, which I appreciate.

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