Social and Civic Whirl: The I. Sherman Greene Chorale in Concert

If you were not in attendance at The I. Sherman Greene’s “Salute to Black Composers Concert,” you missed a wonderful performance by The I. Sherman Greene Chorale, a high school choir and two university choirs – I. C. Norcom High School, Old Dominion University and North Carolina A&T University. The concert, held at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Auditorium, was filled with enthusiastic music lovers who enjoyed the voices of very, very talented young people in addition to The I. Sherman Greene Chorale.

Dr. Robert Parsons, President of the Chorale’s Board of Directors brought the Greetings followed by the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” arranged by Elizabeth Vaughan Eccles and sung by the Women’s Ensemble directed by Nancy Klein. Joe Harmon, director of the I.C. Norcom Concert Choir, directed the Men’s Ensemble in singing “If My People.”

Prior to each choir’s performance an introduction was done by Dr. Reuthenia Clark, member of The Chorale’s Board of Directors; President of the Board of Directors, Dr. Robert Parsons; and Dr. Douglas Owens, Chair of the Old Dominion University Department of Music. The I. C. Norcom Choir under the direction of Joe Harmon began the program with two selections. They sang “Old Time Religion” arranged by Moses Hogan and Roland Carter’s “In Bright Mansions” that brought the audience to their feet. Following I. C. Norcom, the Old Dominion University Choir, directed by Nancy Klein and accompanied by Bobbie Kesler-Corleto performed “We Are,” and “Crucifixion” by Ysaye Barnwell, Adolphus Hailstork respectively; and the arrangement of “Rockin’ Jerusalem” by Andre Thomas. The North Carolina A & T Choir was extremely powerful. Under the direction of Travis W. Alexander and accompanied by Rochelle L. Joyner the choir sang “Great Day” arranged by Adolphus Hailstork; “Ride In the Chariot” arranged by Brandon Waddles;” and Nathan Carter’s “It Pays to Serve Jesus.” “More Love To Thee” (A medley) arranged by Joseph Joubert included “How I Love Jesus,” “Anybody Here Who Loves My Jesus,” and “My Soul Loves Jesus.”

The superb I. Sherman Greene Chorale was the last to perform. With Elizabeth V. Eccles at the helm and accompanied by Randy Walston, The I. Sherman Greene Chorale treated the audience to Jester Hairston’s arrangement of “You Better Mind;” “My God Is So High” with tenor soloist Quarmaine Stephenson and arranged by Moses Hogan; and Stacy Gibbs arrangement of “Witness” featuring soprano Olivia Rominiyi and baritone Russell Teague. The Program ended with the combined choirs, directed by Travis Alexander and Elizabeth Eccles with “Le’s Have a Union” arranged by Salone Clary (who was in the audience) and Uzee Brown’s arrangement of “We Shall Overcome.”

Ann B. McInnis and George Ricks were acknowledged for their commitment to and sharing their musical talent to THE I. SHERMAN GREENE CHORALE for 45 YEARS.
A great ushering job was done by Girl Scout Troop #511 and troop leader Cynthia Corbett guided by, Estelle Bussey, Board Chair.

Norfolk Chapter of Club DeJouir Inc. Indicts New Member

Hermione Everett has become the latest member of the Norfolk Chapter of Club Dejouir, Inc. She was inducted into this chapter of sophisticated and talented Dejouir women on March 17, 2017 at the home of Dejouir Ester G. Whitley.

Following the impressive ceremony, the ladies fellowshipped and presented Hermione with wonderful gifts. Members present at the induction service and enjoying a delicious repast were President Loleta Hammond, June Banks, Barbara Gibbs, Shelby Giles, Betty Harris, Andrea Jackson, Shirley Keys and Sarah Woods.

During the summer, from June 23-25, 2017, Dejouir members are looking forward to attending and having a grand time at their annual Conclave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.