National recording artist partners with IC choirs for Gospel Music Festival & Concert
The Illinois College Choirs will partner with national recording artist and conductor, Curtis Gulledge, to present the Gospel Music Festival & Concert on Saturday, April 13, with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. in Rammelkamp Chapel.
According to Abby Musgrove, associate professor of music, the concert will bring together Gulledge and the the Illinois College Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, Chamber Singers and Blue Tie Affair Men’s Ensemble to “shake the rafters of Rammelkamp Chapel in celebration of the heritage and impact of this beloved and infectious style.” Gulledge will present a brief lecture during the evening concert.
Special guests include the Springfield Southeast High School choir, as well as other student and faculty instrumentalists. Various gospel favorites will be performed, such as “The Storm Is Passing Over,” “Total Praise” and “Praise His Holy Name,” along with several well-known African American spirituals.
The public is also invited to attend a free all-day workshop to watch the rehearsal led by Gulledge to kick off the festival. Gulledge will coach various ensembles in the gospel style and conduct several of his own pieces. More than 75 various musicians, singers, instrumentalists, and conductors will participate in this fun and educational event.
A map of the IC campus is available here. For more information, contact choirs@ic.edu.