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Williamsport Civic Chorus commemorates Black History Month with ‘American Spirituals’

The Williamsport Civic Chorus, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania College of Technology, is proud to present “American Spirituals,” a celebration of African-American devotional music and composers as part of the college’s campus-wide celebration of Black History Month 3 p.m. Sunday in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

The Williamsport Civic Chorus — a non-audition, adult chorus, continually operating since 1944 — is made up of teachers, doctors, professors, therapists, musicians and housewives, all brought together by their love of music.

For “American Spirituals,” the Williamsport Civic Chorus is joining forces with Dr. Anthony Leach and his Essence of Joy Alumni Singers in what they believe will be a rousing and meaningful collaboration.

Adding to this exciting mix will be the co-direction of Dr. Leach, a professor of music and music education at Pennsylvania State University and the Williamsport Civic Chorus’s music director, Michael Connor.

According to Dr. Leach, the gospels and spirituals that the two groups will perform have a complex history — melodies and rhythms that trace their roots to the folk tales of various African cultures were often fused with Bible stories, and handed down through generations of slaves who dealt with their pain and horror through the uplift of song. Dr. Leach said in a recent interview, “Within African and African American cultures, music is a response to what one hears, feels, sees, and thinks. … African Americans do not separate song, dance and listening into specific dimensions.

They embrace music with the body, mind and spirit.” However, Dr. Leach also said, “One does not have to be Caucasian, African American, Latino or other to understand the impact of music in one’s journey as we interact within and outside of one’s culture.” In fact, the songs chosen for this singular concert speak to something even bigger than race or creed. They speak to faith and adversity, hope and longing — and the indomitable spirit of people who have known the deepest suffering imaginable.

“My personal takeaway is profound,” said co-director Michael Connor. “I have learned that the gift of music created from within the human soul can enhance, change and transform the life of the listener. Music heals, creates a space for joy and fulfillment and has the ability to transform and transcend any situation in the listeners’ ear even in the midst of human suffering and pain.” Connor goes on to say that the African American Spirituals are some of his favorite pieces to perform and conduct. “They are typically uplifting, fulfilling, and laden with emotion.”

The 65-member Williamsport Civic Chorus is open to singers at all levels who share a passion for making music “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for non-singers as well.

More information about joining the Williamsport Civic Chorus may be obtained by contacting the Director at wccmail@yahoo.com.

Tickets for “American Spirituals” may be purchased at the Otto Book Store, the Robert M. Sides Family Music Center, online at www.williamsportcivicchorus.org, and at the door. As always, children ages 12 and under receive free admission. Penn College students also are admitted free of charge for this event.

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