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March 18, 2004
DH-04 TK 022
Contact: Thomas Knox
(310) 243-3367
Email: tknox@csudh.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Advisory

“A Celebration of the Black Music Tradition”
Planned at California State University, Dominguez Hills

CARSON, Calif. – The departments of Africana Studies and Music at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), will hold “A Celebration of the Black Music Tradition” by presenting the Central State University Chorus of Wilberforce, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 24, at 1 p.m. in the University Theatre. This is a college outreach concert for local high schools.

WHO: Central State University Chorus, Wilberforce Ohio

WHAT: “A Celebration of the Black Music Tradition”

WHERE: California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria St, Carson 90747

WHEN: Wednesday, March 24 at 1 p.m.

Conducted by William Henry Caldwell, the Grammy-nominated Central State University Chorus will perform a program of musical selections that focus on the African Diaspora. Nominated for a Grammy in 1994 for their CD “Amen, A Gospel Celebration,” the Chorus has appeared throughout the United States with Metropolitan Opera luminaries including, Harolyn Blackwell, Gregg Baker, Leontyne Price, a Central State University alumna, Stevie Wonder and the late Cab Calloway.

In 1997, the Chorus recorded “Porgy and Bess” with the Cincinnati Symphony. The group has also performed for the Ohio State Senate and House of Representatives and the Ohio Music Educators National Conference. The Chorus recently completed its first European tour and graced audiences in England and France. Also performing in St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Canterbury Cathedral, and Notre Dame, the Chorus has earned the distinction as the first Historically Black College and University choir to perform in many of these venues.

“We are truly fortunate to have this talented group of musicians come and share their special style of African Diaspora Sacred Music with our campus community,” said Hansonia Caldwell, Ph.D., professor of Music at CSUDH, conductor of the Dominguez Hills Jubilee Choir and coordinator of the concert. “This is a celebration of music that has been central to the African existence and transcends time and continents, much like the Diasporic experience of peoples who share a unique African heritage.” Caldwell said music students from Crenshaw, Dorsey, Carson, Dominguez and West high schools are expected to attend the concert.

Tickets cost $15. Parking tickets for this event can be purchased for $2 from the yellow dispenser located at the entrance to the CSUDH parking lot at the intersection of Victoria Street and Tamcliff Ave. For more information, call Hansonia Caldwell at (310) 243-2463.

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