Friday, December 5, 2014

Eric Conway, D.M.A.: Morgan Choir performs at Monument Lighting to Protesters

Still photo from video submitted by Eric Conway

Eric Conway, D.M.A. wrote on Thursday, December 4, 2014:


Good evening,

Tonight, the Morgan State University Choir was scheduled to sing for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Washington Monument at Mt. Vernon Place in Baltimore, however, local protesters had something else in mind. 

Many of across the nation have decided to protest the verdict not to indict the police officer responsible for killing Eric Garner.  In Baltimore, the protests began at McKeldin Square and then preceded to the site of the scheduled Christmas Tree Lighting at Mt. Vernon Place.

The Morgan choir was lined up to approach the stage when the previous group on stage had to halt their performance due to loud chanting directly in front of the stage.   The organizer from Baltimore City asked our choir to perform longer than requested to account for changes in the production due to the protesters.

In the history of the choir, this was the first time we have been met with protesters.  The choir took the distractions in stride.  We sang much of our set with other songs added from our repertoire.  We had planned some very special seasonal selections that required one to listen carefully, but given the loud decibel level, we had to change our repertoire to compete with the crowd.  See video attached for an insight into the choir's evening!

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Eric Conway, D.M.A.
Fine and Performing Arts Department, Chair

Morgan State University

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