Wendell Phillips High School Celebrates Its Legendary A Capella Choir Alumni
A Living Legacy of Music and Community
Wendell Phillips High School’s a cappella choir alumni returned to their alma mater for a special assembly, celebrating their legacy and the school’s rich musical heritage. The event was a culmination of Black History Month celebrations, honoring the school’s storied past and its continued impact on the community.
A Capella Choir: A Haven of Joy and Harmony
The 10 singing alumni, representing classes from 1965 to 1974, gathered at the school, reminiscing about their time in the choir and sharing stories of their experiences. For many, being part of the choir was a haven, a place where they found solace and a sense of belonging.
La Nitta Johnson, Trudy Jackson Hill, Joyce Darling, and Charlene Guss perform at Wendell Phillips High School in Douglas on Thursday.
A Legacy of Music and Community
The choir’s legacy extends beyond its impressive performances and numerous awards. It represents a sense of community and belonging that has been passed down through generations.
This time, the three sopranos, three altos, two tenors, and two basses from Phillips High classes from 1965 to 1974 assembled inside the auditorium of Chicago’s first Black high school, hoping to rouse in its 400 students a sense of their place in a historic legacy and of their own potential.
A Call to Revitalize the Music Program
Joseph Smith, class of 1965, addressed the gathering, urging current students to build upon the choir’s rich heritage. “At one time, we proudly sat where you are sitting,” he said. “We hope that you will enjoy this and that you will glean from this that we need to do something about the music program at your school, to do something to rebuild and redevelop the music legacy at Wendell Phillips High School.”
The Performance
The choir began with “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” written by Thomas A. Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music,” at nearby Pilgrim Baptist Church. They then performed “Amen,” a traditional gospel song.
The Current Generation
Lillee Ingram, a current student, offered her takeaway: “Wendell Phillips High School is very important to Chicago and in Bronzeville and stuff. A whole bunch of historically Black people went here and paved the way for us.” A sophomore, she discovered her own musical side earlier this year in a piano class she loves.
Lillee Ingram and other students at Wendell Phillips High School performed Thursday along with the school’s alumni a capella choir.
Conclusion
The visit by the a cappella choir alumni served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the school’s rich musical heritage. As the next generation of students looks to the past, they can learn from the experiences and achievements of those who came before them.
FAQs
* Q: What is the significance of the a cappella choir’s legacy?
A: The a cappella choir’s legacy represents a sense of community and belonging that has been passed down through generations.
* Q: What is the current state of the music program at Wendell Phillips High School?
A: The school’s music program is currently led by Toni Elliott Bell, who runs the school’s music department and leads the marching band and teaches piano.
* Q: What is the plan for the music program’s future?
A: Toni Elliott Bell has expressed interest in adding a choir class to the school’s curriculum, pending approval.
