'An Afro-Classical Evolution within the Revolution: Visions and Voices' March 23 at USC

[Discussion Participants]

John Malveaux alerts AfriClassical to this discussion at USC at 7:30 PM Friday, March 23, 2012:

USC Arts and Humanities Initiative
Friday, March 23, 2012 : 7:30pm 

University Park Campus

Bovard Auditorium (ADM)

“Admission is free. Reservations required. RSVP at the links below beginning Wednesday, February 29, at 9 a.m.

USC Students, Staff and Faculty: To RSVP

General Public: To RSVP

“Explore the unique contributions of African Americans to the literature of classical music, focusing on orchestral works by African American composers past and present. A discussion led by Ndugu Chancler, adjunct professor of jazz studies and popular music at USC, will feature Hansonia Caldwell, professor of music emeritus at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Robert Watt, who served as assistant principal horn for the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1970 through 2007. The event will also include performances of orchestral compositions by African American composers, including William Grant Still and Patrice Rushen, performed by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles under the leadership of Maestro Charles Dickerson.

Speaker Bios:

Hansonia Caldwell is professor of music emeritus at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is a distinguished accompanist and church organist, and is founding conductor of the Dominguez Hills Jubilee Choir, a town-and-gown multiethnic ensemble that specializes in the performance of music from African American culture.

Ndugu Chancler is a drummer, percussionist, producer, composer, clinician and educator. As a studio musician, he has recorded with such greats as Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock and Michael Jackson. As a songwriter, Chancler co-wrote hits for Santana, George Duke and the Dazz Band. His production credits include Flora Purim, Bill Summers, Toki and his own solo recordings.

Charles Dickerson is founder, music director and conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, director of music at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church and former director of the Southeast Symphony. The Inner City Youth Orchestra made its world debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2010.

Multi-GRAMMY nominated artist Patrice Rushen is a composer, producer and international recording artist. She was the first woman to serve as musical director for the GRAMMY Awards, the first woman in 43 years to serve as head composer/musical director for the Emmy Awards and the first woman musical director of the NAACP Image Awards. A classically trained pianist, Rushen is one of the music industry’s most versatile and sought after artists.

Robert Watt served as assistant principal horn for the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1970 through 2007. Watt has been a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Pops Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony and many community orchestras in the Los Angeles area.

Organized by Ndugu Chancler (Jazz Studies and Popular Music).

For further information on this event:

visionsandvoices@usc.edu