24 February 2009
A Great Day In Vernon
From the Journal Inquirer
Published: Saturday, February 21, 2009 12:09 PM EST
On Sunday, Feb. 15, in Vernon, an extraordinary thing happened.
A concert.
A concert that became a meeting of hearts and minds.
The Vernon Chorale and The Hartford Chorale Chamber Singers, conducted by Ehren Brown, and The Alfred E. White Chorale, conducted by Ingrid Faniel, presented “A Choral Celebration of Black History Month” at the First Congregational Church of Vernon. It featured an original composition by UConn choral guru Dr. Peter Bagley, and separate performances by all three choirs, as well as a stunning finale by the three choirs combined.
That this event was scheduled at all was notable, overdue, and admirable.
But the great part is what happened once all were gathered in that church; once the concert actually happened and the music took off.
The singing was rousing.
The church was full to the brim.
And everyone sang eventually: choirs and audience; black and white; musicians and amateurs; believers and skeptics.
They all sang these words by Hezekiah Walker, led by the Alfred E. White Chorale, as a finale:
“I need you, you need me.
We’re all a part of God’s body.
Stand with me, agree with me.
We’re all a part of God’s body.
“It is His will, that every need be supplied.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.
(repeat 3X)
“I pray for you, You pray for me.
I love you, I need you to survive.
I won’t harm you with words from my mouth.
I love you, I need you to survive.
(repeat 8X)
“It is His will, that every need be supplied.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.”
The tune is as simple and profound as the words. Profound because anyone can sing the tune and everyone needs the words.
Mutual respect.
That is how societies survive and democracies thrive.
Our president is trying to tell the other leaders in Washington that.
A nonviolent affirmation of justice and mutual respect — that’s how we’ll get through the storm together.
This song might be a good one to teach in our schools, especially where there is race tension, or there are troubled kids.
Every school.
And in our Congress.
Sing those verses over and over and just try to keep your heart hardened.
This concert was performed for a mostly white audience in a mostly white church and led (taught) by black singers — in honor of black history.
We affirmed that it is a history that matters to us all.
How about that?
Maybe music can change hearts.
Maybe it simply reflects change of heart.
Maybe it feeds the hearts and minds of those able to listen and willing to change.
Maybe something is happening in America.
And hard times can teach us.
As President Barack Obama likes to say: “The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Copyright the Journal Inquirer. Reprinted with permission.
