Spring Convocation
Written by Aryn Hicks | 
Students were surprised when they were greeted by music instead of the typical lecturer at spring convocation. After a week delay due to snow, spring convocation took place in the Reeves Auditorium on Feb. 9. Planners of convocation wanted to celebrate African American culture, so instead of a guest speaker, they asked several musical groups at Methodist to perform. Many students were required to go to the event by instructors, but this semester, many came to support their friends who were performing.
“The attendance at convocation pleased me greatly, especially because we had to postpone the convocation for one week due to weather,” said Dr. Peter Murray, a history professor and a member of the Convocation Planning Committee. “With many students involved in convocation, friends came to enjoy and support them.”
Convocation celebrated Black History Month by presenting songs that were written, arranged, or played by black musicians.
After a prayer lead by Rev. Dr. Mike Safley, President Hendricks addressed the audience, welcoming them to the convocation. President Hendricks shared a story about his first experience with African American music and how it shaped his views on African American culture.
Michael Martin took a moment from the ceremony to discuss the history of African American music, such as spirituals and hymns, and how such music has influenced American culture. About two minutes into the speech, however, many students appeared to lose interest, pulling out cellular phones and texting.
The Methodist Chorale, lead by Martin, opened the ceremony with their rendition of “Poor Man Lazarus,” by Jester Hairston. The deep, mellow tones of the tenors and basses added a severity to the song, as opposed to the bright, chipper harmony sung by the altos and sopranos. The group’s overall tone melted together to dramatize the Biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man.
“It’s nice to have something different than speakers at convocation,” said Dustin Autry, a senior music education major and member or Chorale. “[Speakers] can become boring and not keep the students interested.”
Not only did students perform, but convocation also featured a unique jazz band, consisting of five faculty members. The small combo’s performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In” got students attention with the upbeat, Dixieland version of the funeral march.
Following the Faculty Jazz Band, the larger student MU Jazz Band took the stage. They played a variety of pieces that ranged from vivacious and lively to smooth and somber. The arrangement that received the most enthusiasm was “Cantaloupe Island,” a song made famous by Jazz Pianist and Composer Herbie Hancock. The student band played with such clarity and articulation that they sounded like a professional jazz band.
The convocation concluded with a selection by the One Voice Gospel Choir. The choir closed with the spiritual “Ride on King Jesus,” arranged by Michael McCullough. Despite the size of the choir, the group of 14 was able to project their strong voices throughout the auditorium. The choir had a slight hiccup towards the end of the piece, but students and faculty applauded the group for their powerful tone and rhythm.
Some students who resented the required attendance were more receptive to the event because it was more entertaining than they had expected. Students were able to listen to music, and learn about black history.
“It is very important to celebrate Black History Month because it allows us to reflect on our past and how far we’ve come as a nation,” said Autry. “However, it also reminds us of how much further we have to go as a nation.”
“The attendance at convocation pleased me greatly, especially because we had to postpone the convocation for one week due to weather,” said Dr. Peter Murray, a history professor and a member of the Convocation Planning Committee. “With many students involved in convocation, friends came to enjoy and support them.”
Convocation celebrated Black History Month by presenting songs that were written, arranged, or played by black musicians.
After a prayer lead by Rev. Dr. Mike Safley, President Hendricks addressed the audience, welcoming them to the convocation. President Hendricks shared a story about his first experience with African American music and how it shaped his views on African American culture.
Michael Martin took a moment from the ceremony to discuss the history of African American music, such as spirituals and hymns, and how such music has influenced American culture. About two minutes into the speech, however, many students appeared to lose interest, pulling out cellular phones and texting.
The Methodist Chorale, lead by Martin, opened the ceremony with their rendition of “Poor Man Lazarus,” by Jester Hairston. The deep, mellow tones of the tenors and basses added a severity to the song, as opposed to the bright, chipper harmony sung by the altos and sopranos. The group’s overall tone melted together to dramatize the Biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man.
“It’s nice to have something different than speakers at convocation,” said Dustin Autry, a senior music education major and member or Chorale. “[Speakers] can become boring and not keep the students interested.”
Not only did students perform, but convocation also featured a unique jazz band, consisting of five faculty members. The small combo’s performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In” got students attention with the upbeat, Dixieland version of the funeral march.
Following the Faculty Jazz Band, the larger student MU Jazz Band took the stage. They played a variety of pieces that ranged from vivacious and lively to smooth and somber. The arrangement that received the most enthusiasm was “Cantaloupe Island,” a song made famous by Jazz Pianist and Composer Herbie Hancock. The student band played with such clarity and articulation that they sounded like a professional jazz band.
The convocation concluded with a selection by the One Voice Gospel Choir. The choir closed with the spiritual “Ride on King Jesus,” arranged by Michael McCullough. Despite the size of the choir, the group of 14 was able to project their strong voices throughout the auditorium. The choir had a slight hiccup towards the end of the piece, but students and faculty applauded the group for their powerful tone and rhythm.
Some students who resented the required attendance were more receptive to the event because it was more entertaining than they had expected. Students were able to listen to music, and learn about black history.
“It is very important to celebrate Black History Month because it allows us to reflect on our past and how far we’ve come as a nation,” said Autry. “However, it also reminds us of how much further we have to go as a nation.”
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|