Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Chicago Tribune: 'A blow to black music in Chicago'


[Florence B. Price: Concerto in One Movement, Symphony in E Minor; New Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Leslie B. Dunner, Conductor; Karen Walwyn, Piano; Albany Records 1295 (2011)]

Earlier today AfriClassical posted a newspaper article forwarded by Barbara Wright-Pryor: “Chicago Tribune: 'Preliminary recommendation: Close Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Center for Black Music Research.'” The article forwarded to us by Barbara Wright-Pryor. She responds to the posting with a second link and a statement of her own:

Thanks so much, Bill. Here is the subsequent article written March 5, 2012 by Howard Reich of The Chicago Tribune that posted March 6, 2012



Barbara Wright-Pryor and the officers and members of Chicago Music Association, Br. No. 1, NANM, Inc. (National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. since 1919 ) are appalled by the recommendation made by Columbia College Chicago's Interim Provost.

The establishment and existence of The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is reflective of a musical genre created by Black people in America that has captivated the world and is imitated universally.

The Center for Black Music Research (CBMR) archives and supports the ongoing music history of a people, and is crucial to sustaining that culture as well as serving as a resource for musicians everywhere, regardless of genre or ethnicity.

Letters of concern and support for these vital institutions may be sent to:

Dr. Louise Love, Interim Provost
Dr. Warrick Carter, President
The Board of Trustees
Columbia College Chicago
600 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60605

Barbara Wright-Pryor 
PRESIDENT
Chicago Music Association, 
Branch No. 1, NANM Inc. (since 1919)
(A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization)
(773) 721-3210, office phone and fax

VICE PRESIDENT
CHAIR, PERFORMING ARTS COMMITTEE
Advisory Council, South Shore Cultural Center
(A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization)
7059 South Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60649

No comments: