Spiritual Music Scene – Page 2

“Her-Story” (History)

by Urban CNY News
March 6, 2018

Story-telling has always been a part of cultural heritage, and is important to share with the world. Keeping the history, memories, aspirations and dreams can motivate generations from “then ‘till now”, as re-iterated by society. March is Women’s History Month. Let us salute one of our Syracuse residents who’s making an impact on the community through the arts and music education throughout the community and beyond. Her awards and contributions to society as a music historian, performer, role model and author is to be commended. “Her-Story” (History) (Shared by her home-town Classmates) Once upon a time in a little town in Anderson, South Carolina, a little girl was born to Pvt. William and Elizabeth Rucker. She was referred to as “Lil’ Bit, Jo and Jo Ann (named after her grandmother, “Josephine, and Great grandmother Annie”. Her dad, who was a teenaged quartet singer, as told to her by her aunts, was summoned off to World War II and was killed in action. Jo was an only-child. Her mother never re-married. At age six, Jo asked her mother for a “big” piano, for she had a toy one. Her mother’s reply was (she was told)-“learn to play the little one first, then I will see”. The rest is “Her-story”. This was around Christmas time. Within a month she could play “Jingle Bells” and simple hymns, and for Christmas she received the “big piano” as promised by her mom. She took music lessons from Madame Betty Coaxum and Rev. Jackson, prominent neighborhood teachers. She diligently practiced her hymns and began to play for Sunday school at Generostee Baptist Church in Starr, South Carolina, a rural church with slave background. Being so young and short in statue, and the church had the old-style, piano with the “high-bench”, Jo Ann had to be lifted on the piano stool to play her songs. Jo always possessed traits of creativity and leadership abilities. She could think of ideas and put them into action, and they always turned out successful. She was so much fun, said one of her play mates. “She always wanted to be the leader”. Even when we played a game of “Mother May I”?, she would quickly say, “I will be the leader” (mother), and run and get the “switch off the tree”. In this game, we would sit on the steps and ask permission to go out to play in the yard. The mother would agree and say “be back in five minutes and tell me what you did, for example pick a few leaves, throw the ball, etc. When you reported back all dirty from the dirt, you would get a whipping. We soon realized why she wanted to be the mother-She had the switch. That was so much fun in those days. Her mother involved her and the neighborhood children in so many activities and would assist in transporting them to after-school activities at her schools, South Fant Street Elementary, Reed Street Junior High, and Westside High School. She was involved at Westside as a Basketball Score-keeper, (Coach “Tac” Williams, Clarinet player in the Marching Band,(Mr. Stuckey) French Club (Ms. Bigby, teacher), and music programs by Ms. Vermell Williams, and more. “Lil’ Bit” grew up to be very talented and wanted to pursue a career as a Foreign Correspondent, for she excelled in French. Some of the French students were selected to go to Ottawa, Canada to experience the language first hand. However, when she came to Howard University to pursue her career and found out that some of her first semester classes were closed, she decided to go into music for a semester and transfer back to Liberal Arts. She loved the music department, and the rest is “History”. For more information on “Her-story” visit her website: joanhillsman.com. A prominent news reporter interviewed her in later years and said that was a turning point in her career. She went back to her first love, music, and made that her lasting career. The Foreign language, French, remained her interest. Joan was able to sponsor trips to London and Paris, France. While there she visited the University Sabonne, where she toured and explored the musical and rhythmic and cultural components of the music. She attended Howard University in Washington, D. C. and received her Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Music Education Degrees, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) form The Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Hillsman also completed the DMA program at Catholic University in Washington, D. C. She participated in a project on “African American Trends in Music”, at Harvard University, under the late renowned Mother of African American Music, Eileen Southern before her retirement. Dr. Hillsman is an Author, of several books, African American Music Historian, Composer and Performer. (For Full Details, refer to her bio and vitae. She is also listed in several prominent Who’s Who Directories (Marquis) and others. Her travels are extensive. She states that the two (2) trips that impacted her memoirs are the (Motherland)., Senegal, West Africa, and Jerusalem, Israel (The Holy Land). Dr. Hillsman retired in 1996, as Supervising Director of Music for all of the District of Columbia Public Schools, and was quickly appointed as Adjunct Professor of Music at Bowie State University, where she taught, assisted in curriculum development, and served as Director of the Bowie State University Gospel Choir until 2017, when she relocated to Syracuse, New York. She has one son, Quentin Hillsman, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Syracuse University. Dr. Hillsman’s accomplishments, accolades, and awards are numerous. She holds the “Key to the City of Detroit, Michigan”, awarded by the late Mayor Coleman Young, Joan Hillsman’s Day in the Nations Capital” awarded by the late Mayor Barry for the “Washington is a Capital City Neighborhood Grant”, the June 4, 2016 Proclamation by Syracuse’s Mayor Stephanie Miner, proclaiming “Joan Hillsman’s Day in Syracuse, New York, The Joanie Mahonie Intergenerational Award The Bowie State University “Arts and Science Above and Beyond” Award, The International Woman’s

Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Gospel Music Giant, Edwin Hawkins, Dies at Age 74

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
February 3, 2018

The world has lost another great music giant, the renowned Edwin Hawkins on Monday, January 15, 2018, at his home in California. Edwin Hawkins comes from a family of singers who have made great contributions to the world, through their music, artistic contributions, seminars and workshops. Their legacy has blessed music lovers of all genres on the local, national and international arena. The Hawkins Singers reached the top of the pop charts with “Oh, Happy Day,”an 18th century hymn that he arranged with a call and response style, began as one of his favorites and became an international hit in 1969. “O’Happy Day”, Featuring the vocals of Dorothy Combs Morrison, was released as a single credited to the Edwin Hawkins Singers and became a million-seller in “69, showing that here was a large market for gospel songs and inspirational music during the turbulent era of the 1960’s. This hit is said to have bridged the transition of Gospel music from traditional to contemporary gospel. The following year it (O’ Happy Day) won best soul gospel recognition at the Grammy Awards. The Single hit was released Along with Andrae Crouch, Rev. James Cleveland and others. Hawkins was credited as a founder of modern gospel music. Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and numerous other singers have become mainstream stars by adapting gospel sound to pop lyrics, as stated in the Associated Press. Hawkins stood out for enjoying commercial success while still performing music that openly celebrated religious faith. Hawkins grew up as a child singing gospel music. He was rooted in gospel music and principles through his family. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting and sharing the “Progress of Gospel Music” (my first book), at the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). Edwin was one of the seminar speakers, expounding on the history of Gospel Music. It was enjoyed by all in attendance. Sadly, on January 15th as I was presenting “A Day On-Not A Day Off” in Washington, D. C., the news came to us that Edwin had passed. The choir and audience jubilantly pause in a moment of remembrance and sang, “O’Happy Day”. We were looking forward to seeing him again when GMWA convenes in Las Vegas in March 2018 for the Convention Planning (Board Meeting, March19-23), and the National GMWA in Atlanta, Ga. in July. See Website, WWW.gmwanational.net. We will celebrate the Life and Legacy of Edwin Hawkins as we continue to enjoy the music that he presented to the world, along with his talented family, who has blessed us. Read the legacy of his entire life. I can imagine that the angels are singing, “O’Happy Day”. Gone but not forgotten.

Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration “A Day on-Not a Day Off” 37 Years of celebrating Dr. King’s Life and Legacy

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
February 2, 2018

This year marks the thirty-seventh (37) Historical year that this event has taken place at the New Southern Rock Baptist Church in Washington, D. C. Many accolades and applause were expressed as the program engaged community participants to come together, Celebrate the Dream and to “work on the dream”. The committee for this year consisted of the church family at-large, Pastor Rudolph White, officials, Trustee Walter Young, Ermyn Roberts, Hazel Wood, Ann Young, and other auxiliaries. This program has made history at the church, as it was spearheaded by the Minister of Music Emeritus, Dr. Joan Hillsman (now relocated to Syracuse, New York), before Dr. King’s day became a national holiday. Dr. Hillsman held a “one-hour” service where citizens, especially those essential workers who did not have the day off, could stop by, have lunch, listen to recordings of Dr. King, then returning to work. Over the years this celebration has grown from approximately eight (8) to approximately two-hundred people. All of the money raised at this event goes to support the Martin Luther King National Monument. Prior to the erection of the monument on the mall, the funds were sent to Atlanta, Georgia, Center for Social Change. This year’s participants included poetry, tributes, music, dance spoken words, Prayers for our leaders and nation along with other. reflections. Dr. Hillsman’s flight to Washington, D.C. since relocating seven years ago, began with her attending the Wreath Laying Ceremony, for which Martin Luther King, Jr. lay the wreath) at the Dr. King Monument before going to the church event. Surprisingly, one of the monument sculptor gave her “a piece of the rock that was left over from the erection of the monument. Dr. Hillsman also serves on the Syracuse University Annual Event. Among the participants were, Prof. Latonya Wren, and the Bowie State University Gospel Choir, Dr. Emory Andrews, Dr. Lucy Young, and the Performing Arts Ministry, Angela Allen, Soloist, The NSR Mass Choir, Directed by Minister of Music Reginald Anderson, Brother Henry Smith, Jordan Culmer, youth soloist and others. After receiving the sad news of the passing of the legendary gospel artist, Edwin Hawkins (O’ Happy Day), the audience paused to sing his legendary song. The Tucker Missionary Baptist Church of Syracuse, NY, Pastor DeCarto Draper, and Minister of Music, Eric Dickson, too, have joined in at the same hour as New Southern Rock to celebrate the great dreamer, Dr. King. We hope that this idea will catch on across the country. For further information and materials that may be used in establishing a similar event “It’s a Day on-Not a day off” which leads into Black History Month, contact Dr. Joan Hillsman (Email: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com), and work on the dream.

Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

It’s a Day “On” – Not a Day “Off” Celebrate The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
January 13, 2018

There will be many from across the world who will take time out to reflect and celebrate the contributions of this great Civil Rights leader. It is important that we recognize those who have fought for the freedom of mankind. Dr. King’s weapon was “love”. He was an advocate of non-violence, and paid the ultimate price – his life. We can still hear his voice resounding, “I have a dream”. This famous speech was delivered t an estimated 250,000 people who witnessed by attending the “March on Washington” at the monument. “I remember being in the crowd” that day. As a student at Howard University were urged to be there and to be a part of this great history”, and I am so glad that I attended. Let us not to forget to celebrate by paying tribute to this great man. Many communities, churches, organizations and individuals of all cultures will pause and commemorate this day. Dr. King’s day is Monday, January 15, 2018. It’s a Day “on”, don’t take the day “off”. We are asking churches to join in the celebrations that will be held in this city, Syracuse. Dr. Hillsman has been active in this celebration for 37 years, beginning in Washington, D. C. at the New Southern Rock Baptist Church, Dr. Rudolph White, Senior Pastor. As Minister of Music there, she and a committee opened the doors for those essential workers, such as nurses, firemen, policemen, and individuals who did not have the day “off”. They were invited to come by the church on their lunch hour, enjoy a sandwich as they watched the speech and teachings of Dr. King. Having relocated to the Syracuse, New York area in 2010, she flies out to DC for the 12 Noon ceremony of music, poetry, dance and other activities. That which was a mere small crowd has escalated to a City-Wide Community Celebration. Other Churches have joined in by using this model, “A Day ON” to do similar activities, which leads into Black History Month. Tucker Missionary Baptist Church in Syracuse, Dr. Decarto Draper, Pastor, and Eric Dickson, Minister of Music has joined in by promoting the “One-Hour” extended celebration program, simultaneously as the one in D.C. For information on activities to connect and present “A Day “On” service, feel free to contact Dr. Hillsman and others who will be celebrating the dream. Do something on Dr. King’s Day to “Work on the Dream”. His work lives on.

Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) – 50th Anniversary “Rocked” in Atlanta!

by Urban CNY News
August 31, 2017

Plan Now for GMWA’s Return 2018 in Atlanta The Gospel Music Workshop of America, founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Atlanta, Georgia, in July 2017 and plans to return to next year’s convention in the same place. Over 7,000 members were in attendance, including the record industry, performing artists showcase, Parade of States, and experiences and exhibits galore were available. The GMWA is a power house for information on Gospel Music and other genres such as classical, spirituals, contemporary music, along with a wealth of information that is vital, not only to the church music ministry, but to history and African American culture. Bishop Albert Jamison, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. For complete details, visit the website www.gmwanational. net. There you will find the structure of this great convention. The GMWA’s Board Meeting is held in March, each year in preparation for the convention that takes place during the summer. “The Board’s planning meeting has become somewhat as “mini-convention itself. There are many activities, performances, and a National Collegiate Night Performance during this time, as colleges and universities come together to share their music from their jurisdictions, says Dr. Joan Hillsman, National Board Member, and Collegiate Chair. There are chapters across the country, with at least six (6) or more international ones. Dr. Spencer White, Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as the Chapter Representative Chair, and is doing an awesome job as leader. Happy belated birthday, Dr. White (August 20th) The Syracuse Chapter of GMWA is Board Member, Dr. Hillsman, currently serving as Assistant Representatives for this area are Sedalia Brown Harrison, and Ruby Linzy, Chapter members play a vital role in the organization, while serving the community. Musicians and dedicated members are needed and welcome to join the choir and auxiliaries. Please join us as we endeavor to serve this community by promoting the culture of music and arts in Syracuse and beyond. Start planning now for the Board Meeting (March) and Atlanta Convention (July). If we don’t know, we can’t grow! If we already know-help others to grow. Knowledge never stops developing. We must study to show ourselves approved! For further information on GMWA National and Syracuse Chapter, contact Dr. Joan Hillsman, Email:jhillsman@twcny.rr.com, SGMWA Facebook .www.joanhillsmanmusicnetwork.com, or phone 315-373-0805. Calendar Upcoming Observances and Events! Take Advantage of the short time left during Summer 2017 * September is National Gospel Heritage Month! Observe this historical Heritage Month for Gospel. *Citywide Church Music Ministry Workshop! Plan to attend All are invited to participate, carry back information to your churches and related organizations, give-away materials that will promote your music worship department. All Ages! Information is being disseminated to your churches! Inquire! When: Saturday, October 14, 2017, Host Site of Workshop, Bethany Baptist Church, (149 Beattie Street-Syracuse, Pastor Phil Turner Time: 8:30 Am- 2PM – No Admission (Offering) Various topics by experienced clinicians. – Contact Dr. Hillsman at 315-373-0805, Email: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Volunteers are needed! This is a City-wide Event! Please participate. Fall Music Registration! Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc., located at 4455 E. Genessee Street, Dewitt/Syracuse, is taking applicants for music lessons, various classes for the fall. Inquire and Register Now! Call for Information The Harriet Tubman Essay Contest is on-going, Contact Dr. Joan Hillsman, and let’s continue reading and developing critical skills through the theme of Harriet Tubman. This activity is city-wide and hosted by selected Syracuse Libraries. Contact Information: JHMN!

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Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers Weekly Schedule September 2 -6, 2024

To All The Mothers Out There

A New Year’s Focus “It’s not too late to pick up your dreams”

“Her-Story” (History)

A Poetic Tribute:Live Life

Gospel Music Giant, Edwin Hawkins, Dies at Age 74

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration “A Day on-Not a Day Off” 37 Years of celebrating Dr. King’s Life and Legacy

“Difficult Days”….A Poetic Tribute

It’s a Day “On” – Not a Day “Off” Celebrate The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.

Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) – 50th Anniversary “Rocked” in Atlanta!

McKinley Park Summer Gospel Concert Presented by Syracuse Parks & Recreation

Black Voices