USD Symphonic Band to Perform Concert in Honor of Black History Month
The concert will feature three works, two by black composers and one honoring Civil Rights heroine Rosa Parks.
The concert will open with “Dancing Fire” by Kevin Day, a young composer currently residing in Georgia.
The second work on the program is “A Movement for Rosa” by Mark Camphouse. The piece tells the story of Parks’ life, the years of racial issues she dealt with culminating with her stand on the bus and how racial injustices continue to plague our society.
The final piece is “Of Our New Day Begun” by Omar Thomas. This work was written to honor the victims and families of the June 17, 2015 terrorist attack on Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
“It is our hope that this selection of music will allow our audience the opportunity to reflect on the progress our society has made in regard to racism while also considering how we all can effect positive and permanent change for the future,” said John LaCognata, Ph.D., USD Department of Music assistant professor and director of bands.
