By Carlottra GuytonGospel music is said to be food for the soul. In fact, singer and pastor Marvin Sapp, once said, “Gospel music allows us to become closer to God and each other.”
The love of the music and its ability to bring people together is the reason that St. Phillips Church, in downtown Jacksonville, annually presents its Edward College Day celebration. Last Sunday marked the 11th annual event where the audience enjoyed the Edward Waters College Concert Choir and Jazz Combo Band. Under the direction of Dr. Lucy Chen, Chair of the Music Department, the choir delighted the full house and the Jazz Combo, led by Mr. Kedrick Redding, Director of Bands at EWC, played masterfully.
The choir performance included Negro spirituals, gospel and classical pieces performed by voice soloist Ms. Paula Merritt accompanied by Dr. Chen. For the past five years, media strategist Angela Spears has served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies.
Dr. DeShanna Brown, V.P. for institutional advancement, development, marketing and communication brought greetings on behalf of president, Dr. Zachary Faison, Jr., the 30th EWC president. In addition to the musical performances, speaker Chawna Newman, an alumnus of EWC and a member of St. Philips Episcopal Church shared her story of success at the school after transferring from FAMU in Tallahassee.
Newman said, “I always wanted to attend and graduate from an HBCU. Edward Waters College gave me that opportunity.” She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and is a registered nurse currently working at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
Carlottra Guyton and Arelias Donaldson chaired the committee for this annual musical event. Reverend Mal Jopling served as the Interim Rector.
Shown is the Edward Waters College Concert Choir and Jazz Combo Band belting out Negro Spirituals.
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