ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/08/2016)-- The Augustana Choir will perform in Davenport, Iowa at St. Paul Lutheran Church (2136 Brady St.) on Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m.. The performance is the conclusion of the choir's 2016 tour of California, which took place February 19-25. Admission for this concert is free, and a freewill offering will be accepted.
Forty-eight students from varying majors and backgrounds will come together as one voice to perform choral works ranging from traditional spirituals to chants and powerful contemporary works-all serving a purpose in telling the story and process of social justice.
For centuries, music has told the story of struggle, progress and unity. This performance program will highlight the process of awareness of social justice issues leading to discussions, and finally to taking action.
Beginning with "To the Mothers of Brazil: Salve Regina" by Marian Antiphon, the issues are introduced. This piece specifically brings awareness to the struggles women face in Brazilian culture.
The next piece in the program, "How Can I Cry?" by Moira Smiley, takes an introspective look at how people can get behind the issues and inspire change.
Then, for the call to action, "Prayer of St. Francis" by Barrie Cabena ignites a movement from turning the negativity in the world into positive action, encouraging humanity to think about what we, in our various fields and disciplines, can do to bring justice to the oppressed.
One of the distinctions of the Augustana Choir is their inventive use of improvisation. Dr. Jon Hurty, Gassman Professor of Music and co-chair of Augustana's Department of Music, sees improvisation as a learning mechanism to encourage synergy.
"Improvisation helps the students to think about choral music from a different perspective-one that encourages personal engagement and creativity," he said. "It develops their listening skills, creative skills, sense of community and confidence as singers."
With this particular program, the improvisations represent the conversations happening throughout the world-listening to cries of the oppressed but also reacting with plans, goals and suggestions to make progress.
Senior Ruchira Laroia of Coralville, Iowa, explained, "Singing songs of injustice is not only a way to remember those who are less privileged than us, but to spur us to action to create a better future."
She continued, "Singing, or even listening to powerful music, brings out people's inner strength. It moves ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things."
Students from your area include:
Danielle H. Jennings of Byron Hills (61275)
Rebecca Anderson of Moline (61265)
Emmalynn Tully of Bettendorf (52722)
Rebecca Knapper of Davenport (52806)
Philip Tunnicliff of Bettendorf (52722)
Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 161 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.
