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 The New Spirituals Project and MUSE Out and About with MUSE GALA Choruses Festival 2008 - Miami Member Spotlight - Angela Gordon Rapt in Love Wrap up Social Change is Singing Save the Date Friends of MUSE - We Are Thankful Wish List MUSE Website: www.musechoir.org MUSE News: Sign Up         |
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 The New Spirituals Project and MUSE Out of the 19th century African-American struggle for freedom there emerged a body of songs called spirituals. These songs have become a national treasure and an enduring piece of the American cultural landscape. So what are the "New Spirituals?" What is this project all about? In the early 1990s, several women gathered in the San Francisco Bay Area with a powerful idea. Elizabeth Min, director of the Redwood Cultural Work and grammy-nominated vocalist and producer, Linda Tillery, imaged a project whereby newly created works, called new spirituals, would be composed by women of color. ↑ Top | Show full article Elizabeth and Linda envisioned newly created choral works that would capture contemporary issues in music, and forge the same elements of hope, courage, and perseverance of the 19th century spiritual. They encouraged composers to use any of the genres necessary to move the spirit, and thus, field hollers, shouts, the blues, rap, gospel, game songs, spirituals, jazz, Afro-Cuban, Latin, and moans, all have been used in the eight commissioned suites of music. The National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) responded to this idea with great interest, and suggested that a consortium of diverse choirs be involved to perform the new works. Here's where MUSE entered the scene. We were invited, along with the The Boys Choir of Harlem (New York City), the Temple University Chorus (Philadelphia), and the chorus from the University of Texas at Austin, to perform these newly created works to give them greater national exposure. After the four NEA commissions, the Redwood Cultural Work closed their doors (but the Oakland Youth Chorus is as vibrant as ever). It is only MUSE that has continued with the whole concept of the New Spirituals Project. We continued producing New Spirituals Concerts, and over the years commissioned four significant suites by remarkable women with international reputations. Below is a complete listing of 11 New Spirituals Concerts that we have produced since that first concert in 1994: 1: Roots of Justice: From Darkness To Dawn (1994) "We Are One" NEA Commission by Mary Watkins MUSE, CMC, Linda Tillery 2. Keepers of Faith: Seekers of Truth (1994) "Lessons" NEA Commission by Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell MUSE, CMC, Linda Tillery 3. Canto Para Todos (1996) "Canto Para Todos" NEA Commission by Jackie Rago MUSE, Linda Tillery, Jackie Rago, and John Santos 4. Still Got to Get Up (1997) "Still Got To Get Up" NEA Commission by Bernice Johnson Reagon MUSE, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, and Bernice Reagon 5. Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round (1998) 1st New Spirituals Project conceived by MUSE, Linda Tillery, and guest artist Dorothy Cotton (Civil Rights organizer and activist) join in concert 6. Come Sit at the Welcome Table (1999) 2nd New Spirituals Project conceived by MUSE, Linda Tillery, to benefit and promote new Freedom Center. MUSE joined by author and chef, storyteller, and John of the Freedom Center. Commissioned choral arrangements for the concert by Jacqueline Hairston 7. Voices at the Crossroads/Voces en el Cruce (2000)* "Processional Prayers," an east coast/west coast collaboration with Ysaye Maria Barnwell and Jackie Rago 1st commission by MUSE, (Linda Tillery joined by Ysaye Barnwell, Jackie Rago, and John Santos) 8. Guide My Feet, Celebrating Tradition (2001) MUSE and Linda Tillery 9. Daughterwise (2002)* "Daughterwise Suite," by Rachel Bagby, choral arrangement by Ysaye Barnwell 3rd New Spirituals Commission by MUSE, with Linda Tillery, Rachel Bagby and Ysaye Barnwell 10. Come Steppin' In Freedom Name (2004)* "Liberty or Death Suite," by Bernice Johnson Reagon. 4th New Spirituals Commission by MUSE (Linda Tillery and The Cultural Heritage Choir, and Bernice Johnson Reagon) 11. Singing Solidarity (2006) MUSE and Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir *Concerts with original choral suite compositions commissioned by MUSE This year MUSE has embarked on something remarkable and very new. In Spring 2006, MUSE worked for the first time with Rosephanye Powell. After this enlightening experience, we decided to commission her for our next New Spirituals. On Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, MUSE will present our 12th New Spirituals Project called Hope Come True. Our collaborative performance includes Linda Tillery (as always), and the Central State University Chorus. We are thrilled to be singing with our neighbors to the north, the acclaimed Central State University Chorus. Under the direction of their distinguished conductor William Henry Caldwell, the chorus has performed across the country and in Europe to rave reviews and enthusiastic audiences. http://www.centralstate.edu/current/chorus/index.html Linda Tillery ( http://www.culturalheritagechoir.com/ ) will perform three spirituals accompanied by Kenny Smith (music director of First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, also of "Team Lachey"), and the combined choruses will sing her unforgettable arrangement of "Lift Every Voice and Sing". As usual, the audience and choruses will join in congregational singing. "Hope Come True," the title of MUSE's 12th New Spirituals Concert, is also the title of our commissioned suite by Rosephanye Powell. "Hope Come True" consists of bold and expressive arrangements of traditional spirituals: "Keep Yo Lamps," "In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mo'nin,'" and "Study War No More." Two original works by Powell complement the set; the composer draws from the stunning poetry of Langston Hughes for "To Sit and Dream," and creates her own text for the movement "Hope Come True." Expectant waiting, "dreaming of vast horizons of the soul," a rousing call and response celebration about the better day a comin', with hope as an anchor, and an unequivocal peace poem; these are the revelations emergent in the setting by Powell. Through Powell's compelling compositional style, her vocal lines soar with romantic lyricism. Rhythmic vitality is infused in her uptempo settings, and this energy is contrasted with tenderness, warmth, and a thoughtful dreaminess. MUSE creates a new sound world in "Hope Come True". Join us. Listen to the resonant messages of the traditional spiritual embodied in transcendent new arrangements, coupled with the original voice of Rospehanye Powell's spirit-filled choral compositions. ↑ Top | Hide Article Out and About with MUSE MUSE's performances at events in the city are how we strengthen our outreach between MUSE and its musical philosophy, and connect with the Greater Cincinnati area. MUSE performs at many events around the city and invites you to any events open to the public. ↑ Top | Show full article 
MUSE rang in 2008, with January performances at the Xavier-Georgia Womens Basketball game, and the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Drop Inn Center. It was great to see MUSE friends in the audience and we were grateful to both venues for the opportunity to perform.
In February, MUSE will be part of the double-headliner with Cincinnati Men's Chorus (CMC) for the beginning of FineArtsFund Sampler Weekend. On Friday, February 8, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Center in Covington, KY, we appear along-side our CMC friends, and give our audience a chance to hear both groups in one evening, and support the arts community that enriches your life at the same time! MUSE will be performing a varied set of repertoire and joining in voice with CMC, as well. Both MUSE and CMC are headed to GALA Choruses Festival 8: July 12-29, 2008, in Miami, to represent Cincinnati! In December, MUSE accepted the invitation from the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Ford Motor Company Fund to sing at the private reception of the highly acclaimed and the new nationally touring exhibit, Freedom's Sisters. The Cincinnati Museum Center was selected from a pool of national museums to build and host the unveiling of this exhibit honoring 20 African-American women who helped guide the Civil Rights Movement. This natural collaboration with the exhibit will be a fabulous opportunity for MUSE and an opportunity to preview our upcoming New Spirituals concerts, "Hope Come True" (see previous article). While the reception is a private function, please do visit the exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center and support this important, landmark exhibit. MUSEs performance venues are as the diverse as the choir! MUSE will be performing an encore performance at Cedar Village, a retirement community in Mason. The audience is an appreciative and supportive group who specifically asked that MUSE sing again. February 10th, will find us performing for this enthusiastic and heartwarming group, courtesy of the The Cedar Village Berg Family Fund. On April 25th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peace Bell in Newport, KY, MUSE will lift her song in determination and strength at the "Take Back the Night" March and Vigil against Domestic Violence. Music and MUSE sing to heal and inspire. MUSE invites you to join with us as we sing against this national abhorrence. When you see MUSE out and about stop by and say hello! Bring and friend and introduce MUSE to someone new! We look forward to seeing you out and about!! ↑ Top | Hide Article GALA Choruses Festival 2008 - Miami MUSE is traveling to Miami, Florida, this July, for the GALA Choruses Festival. GALA Choruses is an organization serving the GLBT choral and allied choral movement. The mission of GALA Choruses is to "support GLBT choruses as we change our world through song." Every four years, GALA hosts a choral festival, inviting over 100 choirs and 5000 delegates from around the United States and the world to participate. MUSE has been a member of GALA since 1986, and has been participating in GALA festivals since the GALA Festival IV in Seattle, 1989. MUSE has even hosted a regional festival with Cincinnati's Men's Chorus (CMC) in 2002. ↑ Top | Show full article 
We'll be taking the stage July 14, in front of our fellow singers as well as participating in a celebration of 25 years of GALA later in the week. GALA, like MUSE, is 25 years old this year and we are all ready to celebrate!
We are currently raising money to help transport our members to Miami; if you are interested in donating to the MUSE GALA fund, please contact the office at 513-221-1118. We are also seeking frequent flyer miles to help our members travel to and from Miami. We are ready to wow our friends with an outstanding selection of music, and MUSE always receives a wonderful welcoming from our peers; we feel like rock stars! Please mark your calendar for July 6th, to join MUSE & CMC at St. Johns UU Church, 320 Resor Ave, in Clifton, for a pre-GALA Bon Voyage concert. More details to come in your future MUSE News! ↑ Top | Hide Article Member Spotlight - Angela Gordon MUSE: What is your name? AG: Angela Celestine (Sherman) Gordon MUSE: What do you do with your time outside of MUSE? AG: I sing in my church choir, bowl, work out, and tend to my elderly father MUSE: How long have you been in MUSE? AG: This is my fourth season as an AII. ↑ Top | Show full article 
MUSE: What prompted you to audition?
AG: My desire to meet new people and learn different kinds of music MUSE: In addition to singing, what role/duties have you performed? AG: I've been hostess at the silent auction, ticket collector, and worked on setup and clean-up MUSE: What has been your favorite MUSE event? AG: The silent auction, our Grailville retreat and the New Spirituals MUSE: What is your best source for your MUSE blue? AG: Target MUSE: Besides music, what are three things you always bring to rehearsal? AG: Water, Coffee, and Music Stand MUSE: What is your favorite song MUSE has sung? AG: "Greed", "I Feel Like Going On", and "Non Nobis" MUSE: What do you do before rehearsal? AG: Take a nap and eat MUSE: What do you do after rehearsal? AG: Prepare for the next day MUSE: What do you listen to in the car? AG:100.3 MOJO and my favorite cds ↑ Top | Hide Article Rapt in Love Wrap up "Rapt in Love," a concert about authentic and courageous loving began our 25th Anniversary season. This concert blended old pieces from MUSE's rich history of lesbian and women's music with the contemporary music of the folk-duo, Wishing chair, and a new choral suite composed by Kiya Heartwood. ↑ Top | Show full article 
The concert opened with Wishing Chair. This female folk duo from Kentucky blended the talents of Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood in a richly descriptive lyrical journey. Kiya's lead vocals and guitar complimented by Miriam's vocals and instrumental finesse with piano, accordion, banjo, hand drums and bouzouki, described heartbreaking experiences of the Sago mine disaster to the political commentary Bully Circus. The audience was treated to a wide array of women's voices and stories. While Wishing Chair's music is often autobiographical, it was easy for each audience member to find common ground and identify with the music and the message.
MUSE joined Wishing Chair on stage to perform the Midwest choral premiere of "Weave and Spin." This six movement choral showcased a variety of musical styles and messages from Appalachian to Caribbean to Gospel. Written by Kiya Heartwood originally for Wishing Chair, Kiya took a risk to arrange the pieces for women's choral voices. It was a risk worth taking with exciting results. The second half of "Rapt in Love" allowed MUSE to resurrect some of our old favorites, including lesbian love songs and old standards. The audience responded enthusiastically as we revisited Holly Near's "Simply Love" and "Perfect Night." Under the direction of our incredible interpreter Ruth Rowan, we worked hard to successfully and simultaneously sing and sign a haunting performance of "Testimony." This concert was as entertaining as it was inspiring, and a great way to kick off our 25th Anniversary Season. In continuing our message of social change through song, we set the stage for our next two concerts; the return of the New Spirituals project entitled, "Hope Come True" and our dynamite 25th Anniversary Spring Concert, complete with alumnae, guest appearances, awards, and a blowout celebration of 25 years of women's music in Cincinnati. ↑ Top | Hide Article Social Change is Singing MUSE was especially busy this past fall with performances that spoke to our mission of peace and social justice. With five runouts and three concerts (one with Cincinnati Men's Chorus) it was a busy, but meaningful season for new members of the group. MUSE touched the community in song and spirit. ↑ Top | Show full article 
Part of being a member of MUSE is a commitment to singing passionately about things that touch everyone deeply. MUSE aims to soar above superficiality by singing a song for the greater good. Supporting our community in their endeavors, we frequently sing for Peace (Arts for Change - A Musical Rally for Peace and Possibility), Non-Violence (She Screams Without Sound-20th Annual Vigil Against Domestic Violence), Friendship (Singing with our brothers in Cincinnati Men's Chorus), Love (World AIDS Day Service), and in Celebration of our Cultural Differences (Boone County Library Holiday Performance). Our website also reflects events that celebrate peace and social justice, not just produced by MUSE, but by other un-sung heroes and heroines in our community, whether they be artists, writers, or larger entities. We humbly share our 25th Anniversary Season with so many other organizations and events whose purpose is to break down barriers of ignorance, hate, misunderstanding, social divisiveness, and perceived difference (the Vigil Against Domestic Violence; 20 Years, GALA Choruses; 25 years, The Drop-Inn Center; 30 Years, The Healthcare Connection; 40 Years). If you would like to celebrate making palpable change, join with us as we "sing social change". Come to a runout, a concert, volunteer with us, sing with us, become a Friend of MUSE, or support us in whatever way you see fit. You will soon begin to hear the song that is freedom. ↑ Top | Hide Article Save the Date Given the single-digit temperatures in Cincinnati, recently, and the groundhog's dismal prediction of more winter, it may seem premature to think about spring. However, there are so many things to be excited about at MUSE's 25th Anniversary Spring Concert. ↑ Top | Show full article 
Save the date! (June 14, 2008) or Save the Weekend, if you're an Alum.
We've got: ~ An exciting Alumnae Weekend planned for June 13-14 (a reception for returning members on Friday, June 13th at 7:00 pm, followed by a rehearsal from 8-10). Festivities will include meals, mirth, mingling, and masterpieces! (and a party follows the evening concert.) ~ Awards (to recognize our Enduring Spirits) & Nostalgia ~ New commissions and appearances by guest artists ~ MUSE Logo Gear ~ And most of all...great MUSIC! With our MUSE Alumnae singing three songs with the choir, our traditional kids sing-along, and fabulous accompaniment, it will be a great day in June, no matter the weather. Alumnae, we will help to coordinate home stays, or make hotel reservations. A mailing/emailing will be sent from MUSE with more details, so watch for it! We hope you will join us for this blissful occasion. Get your tickets now and start celebrating Spring. ↑ Top | Hide Article Friends of MUSE - We Are Thankful MUSE wouldn't be MUSE without the support of our Friends. Each year Friends of MUSE give generously, from increments of $5-$5000, and MUSE is thankful for each and every donation. The money you give helps us to keep on singing beyond our 25th year. ↑ Top | Show full article 
Here is the list of people we wish to thank.
Friends of MUSE ↑ Top | Hide Article Wish List -Airline Miles and Airline Buddy Passes (to be used for GALA travel) -Donations toward Choir travel to GALA 2008 -Roll & Fold risers-6 sections (e.g.: Transfold Choral Risers) -Individual or Corporate Sponsors for concerts and commissions -Stools or mini-step risers, for front row singers ↑ Top | Show full article -Vertical A/C Unit -Portable heater -2 or 4 drawer Filing Cabinet -External Hard drive w/USB and FireWire ports ↑ Top | Hide Article |
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