2024
African American
Music FESTIVAL
February 7 - 10
Coordinated by
Dr. Anthony T. Leach
Join our guest artists, students, and faculty for a variety of performances and panels throughout the week showcasing the music of African American composers!
Recitals and Concerts
Wednesday, February 7
-7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, Penn State School of Music
In Their Own Words Interview with Gary Abdullah, Penn State University
State College Municipal Band, Dr. Darrin Thornton, conductor
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Thursday, February 8
- 12:00 p.m. Bach’s Lunch, Eisenhower Chapel
- 3 p.m. Composers Forum: 'Current Trends in African American Music Performance and Creativity' with Mark Lomax II and the PSU School of Music IDEA Committee, Room 117, MB1
- 5:30 p.m. Music Teaching and Learning – Inside and Beyond the Classroom; Forum with PSU School of Music Students and Alumni, Room 110, MB1
- 7:30 p.m. Spotlight Recital, Recital Hall Penn State School of Music
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Friday, February 9
- 2:30 p.m. Common Hour Recital, Recital Hall Penn State School of Music
- 5:30 p.m. Jerry Zolten, professor emeritus, Penn State Altoona presents a session on the Documentary film by Henry Louis Gates Jr. on 'Gospel' Music. Recital Hall
- 7:30 p.m. Guest Artist Recital with Gilbert L. Bailey II and Allyson Kaye Daniel. Recital Hall
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Saturday, February 10
- 1 p.m. Recital Hall, Penn State School of Music
Large Ensembles – Instrumental and Choral
Featuring Performances From
African American Music Festival 2024
Penn State Concert Choir, Dr. Christoher Kiver, conductor
Jazz Combo, Dr. Joshua Davis, conductor
Essence of Joy, Essence 2 LTD, and Capital Area Music Association, Dr. Anthony T. Leach, conductor
Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Dr. Tonya Michell-Spradlin, conductor
Penn State Vocal Dimensions, Dr. Kathryn Hylton, conductor
Penn State Glee Club, Dr. Christopher Kiver, conductor
Chamber Orchestra, Prof Gerardo Edelstein, conductor
Oriana Singers and Vocal Dimensions, Kathryn Hylton, conductor
Centre Dimensions Combo
Penn State Tuba Euphonium Ensemble, Velvet Brown Conductor
Penn State University Choir, Brian Nichols, conductor
Slide Dimensions, Gabriel Herrera, conductor
State College Area Municipal Band, Darrin Thornton conductor
Dr. Anthony T. Leach
Gilbert L. Bailey II
Eric Williamson
Kiena Williams
Corey A. Wallace
Jonah Blunt
Jerry Zolten
Gary Abdullah
Lachele Vaughan
Allyson Kaye Daniel
Seulki Susie Yoo
Mark Lomax II
Max Zorin
Melody Quah
Matthew Weaver
Kathy Cinati