As a high school student, I was always intrigued by the idea of singing in the Morehouse College Glee Club, so much, that I even made my way down to Atlanta for an audition. I remember walking in the room and seeing the stoic faces of Dr. David Morrow, the director of choral activities and Dr. Uzee Brown Jr., professor of voice, and was instantly terrified by the thought of singing for these incredibly respected professors and musicians. I swallowed my fear and opened my audition with Harry T. Burleigh's spiritual "Ride on King Jesus". After I finished, Dr. Morrow looked at me and said, "young man, you have a really nice voice."
I still remember how soothing it was to hear those words, and after that moment, my day was made!
This past fall, we had Dr. Morrow and members of the Morehouse College Glee Club in studio for an interview and recording session. What amazed me most when talking with Dr. Morrow about the history of the glee club, was the stability of the program. "In the 105 year history of the Morehouse College Glee Club, we have had only three permanent directors. The second director was a student of the first, and I was a student of the second director. It has been a wonderful, almost apostolic legacy of directors.", stated Dr. Morrow.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Morehouse College Glee Club and hearing a special live performance in this week's episode of Sing to Inspire, click the audio player above.
The Morehouse College Glee Club will be headlining the VocalEssence WITNESS concert at Orchestra Hall on February 21st, 7pm.
#SingToInspire Performance of the Week
Good News, Chariot's a-Comin, arr. Dr. Wendell P. Whalum
Morehouse College Glee Club Quartet, performer
Dr. David Morrow, conductor
Check out these previous episodes of #SingToInspire
Sing to Inspire: Celebration of the Spiritual - Vol. 1
Sing to Inspire: Precious Lord
Sing to Inspire: Wanting Memories
Sing to Inspire: Inspirational Conductor Surprised
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
