Kellogg Community College’s Vocal Arts area will celebrate Black History Month with a Communitywide Hymn & Spiritual Sing-Along in February.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Binda Performing Arts Center on KCC’s campus at 450 North Ave., Battle Creek. A freewill offering will be collected to support future music programming initiatives at the College.
The Sing-Along event will be conducted by KCC Vocal Arts Director Dr. Gerald Blanchard, who will lead the audience in singing traditional Christian hymns and African-American spirituals favored across a variety of denominations. KCC faculty pianists Nancy Brown and Kathy Cary will accompany on the Binda’s 9-foot Baldwin grand piano.
In addition to the faculty pianists, the audience will also be accompanied by the Cereal City Brass Company under the artistic direction of KCC trumpet instructor Eric Campbell.
Hymnals with lyrics and music will be provided as community members are given the chance to sing a wide variety of hymns and spirituals, ranging from classic traditional to contemporary Christian worship songs. Selections might include:
- Traditional hymns including “Amazing Grace”; “Because He Lives”; “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”; “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”; “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”; “Lift High the Cross”; and “The Old Rugged Cross.”
- African-American spirituals including “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit”; “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”; “Let Us Break Bread Together”; “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”; “Standing in the Need of Prayer”; and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
- Contemporary congregational hymns including “Give Thanks”; “How Majestic Is Your Name”; and “Shine, Jesus, Shine.”
In addition to preselected hymns and spirituals, audience members will have opportunity to call out their favorites from the audience in a true collaborative communal fashion.
KCC’s Sacred Music Certificate Program
KCC’s Communitywide Hymn & Spiritual Sing-Along is one of several music events and initiatives hosted by KCC students and faculty each year that tie into music programming at the College, which includes a Sacred Music Certificate Program.
Students who complete KCC’s Sacred Music Certificate Program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve as a church choir director, music worship leader or youth music leader. The program can also help current choir directors from non-choral backgrounds enhance their job performance and satisfaction.
For more information about KCC’s Communitywide Hymn & Spiritual Sing-Along, contact KCC’s Arts and Communication Department at 269-965-4126. For more information about KCC’s Sacred Music Certificate Program and other music credentials offered at KCC, visit www.kellogg.edu/music.
For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at https://daily.kellogg.edu/category/news-releases.