Crane 'Neglected Nationalism' Concert Honors Negro Spirituals

Dr. Lonel Woods Performs Alongside Crane School of Music Vocal Students on Feb. 8

POTSDAM, NY (02/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The Crane School of Music is proud to present "Neglected Nationalism: An Evening of Negro Spirituals" in celebration of Black History Month. The concert will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sara M. Snell Music Theater.

Dr. Lonel Woods, assistant professor of voice at the School, will be conducting the soulful performance, which will feature Crane vocal performance students.

"The genesis or origins of this particular style of spiritual music is 19th and early 20th century America," Dr. Woods said. "Unfortunately, although nationalistic music from other nations is often taught -- assigned as part of the canons of vocal repertoire in a classical vocal education -- spirituals are not. Hence, the theme of 'neglected nationalism.'"

Woods selected the spirituals in collaboration with the students and their teachers.

"Negro spirituals are constructed like folk songs. ... They have more of a rhythmic pulse, often times syncopated, which drives the rhythmic structure," he said.

Facilitating the rehearsal process, Dr. Woods collaborated with the students, giving them the freedom to explore their own emotions and styles. The professor will also perform several works himself.

The program will include "Wade in the Water," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho," "His Name So Sweet," and many more moving renditions of traditional spirituals.

This concert is free, and the public is welcome to attend.

It is just one of many events planned at SUNY Potsdam to celebrate diversity during Black History Month.

For more information about upcoming events at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution, and is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011-12.

-www.potsdam.edu/crane-