'The words might seem to be one thing on the surface but mean something else'
Watching J. Weldon Norris coach the internationally acclaimed Howard University Choir through a set of spirituals is something of a revelation for both the listener and the singer.
That's because despite the choir's easy command of the works of Bach and Beethoven, this time the choirmaster is pushing them to go against the inclination of music majors everywhere.
"Don't look at the music and don't read the notes," says Mr. Norris. He has been the choir's music director and conductor since 1973 and holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology as well as advanced degrees in music from Howard and Indiana universities. "You have to feel it."
| Continue Lisa Rauschart's Washington Times story "There's no holding back with spirituals"
posted in articles on April 12, 2004 12:25 AM | t (0)
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