Tuesday, November 29, 2011
UMES events feature holiday music
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(Nov. 29, 2011) The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is getting into the holiday spirit with back-to-back events this week featuring the sounds of the season.
The UMES Gospel Choir, directed by Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson, presents a concert on Sat., Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Themed, “Joy is Coming,” the 40-member choral group will perform contemporary gospel music, spirituals and some holiday selections, Dallas Taylor, the choir president, said.
“The reason why we sing is to spread the good news-we are spreading joy!,” he said.
The concert is preceded by old-fashioned gospel revival nights, Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. Musical performances and guest speakers from the university and local churches fill the nightly programs.
Twenty-three members of the UMES Jazz Ensemble take the stage Sun., Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. Lead by locally-known jazz artist and instructor, Brian Perez, the instrumental group will play a mixture of selections from traditional and modern composers such as Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, Count Basie and Maria Schneider.
The students will also be performing “jazzy arrangements of your favorite holiday tunes,” Perez said.
“This is my first time directing the ensemble and I am excited to see the dedication and energy the students bring to the band,” Perez said. “I feel that we have put together a program that everyone will love.”
Events take place in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 410-651-6571 for more information.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.
