This series of master classes, forums and recitals offers students and faculty in all disciplines the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the music within the African-American tradition.  With input from faculty, each event is tailored to the educational and artistic growth of the students. Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the artists and perform music that is at the heart of the Black music experience.

2013 Spring Programs

MULTICULTURAL MUSIC WORKSHOP WITH MARVELENE MOORE

Saturday, April 6
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Playhouse

Experiences in Music Cultures of the World  9 a.m. - noon
Focusing on ethnic music cultures of the United States and countries of the world. Dance and instrumentation that accompanies the music will also be presented.  Participants will be actively engaged in performing the music.

The African American Music Connection 1 - 4 p.m.
Centering on African American music and other music cultures related to its diverse genres.  Music of the African, Bahamian, Caribbean and Native American cultures will be experienced in the session

Tuition: $125
Free for Rider University students, faculty and staff.

Register and Learn More

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2012 Fall Programs

GEORGE SHIRLEY, tenor
Grammy Award winner George Shirley has performed more than 80 operatic roles in major opera houses around the globe. He was the first African-American to be appointed to a music teaching post in Detroit, the first African-American member of the U.S. Army Chorus, and the first African-American tenor and second African-American male to sing leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera.

Wednesday, October 3
3:20 – 4:20 p.m. Bristol Chapel
Master Class:  The Interpretations of the African-American Art Song

Thursday, October 4 
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Bristol Chapel
Forum: Reflections on 49 years as a musician
Open to the public.
 

RICHARD ALSTON, piano
A masterful pianist who performs as a soloist and with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe, Richard Alston is committed to enriching lives through music. Professor Alston earned two degrees from The Juilliard School and has received several awards including the Award for Excellence from the New Jersey Education Association and Musician of the Year from the National Association of Negro Musicians.

Wednesday, October 24 
3:20 – 4:20  Williamson Hall
Master Class: Classically Black: Works by African American Composers

Wednesday, October 24
7:30 p.m.  Bristol Chapel
Recital: Classically Black: Works by African American Composers
Open to the public
 

MARVIN MILLS, organ
Organist at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, Md., Marvin Mills is also the music director of the acclaimed National Spiritual Ensemble.  He has also served as Associate Minister of Music at National City Christian Church, Director of Music at All Souls Church and University Organist at Howard University.  Mr. Mills has performed for numerous chapters of the American Guild of Organists, in recital at the Washington National Cathedral and in churches, universities and concert halls throughout the United States.

Wednesday, November 14 
3:20 – 4:20   Scheide Hall
Master Class: Exploring the Organ Works of African-American Composers