Spiritual Music Scene

The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: Unforgotten Hero

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
January 4, 2014

Harriet Tubman’s legacy lives on forever. On a personal note, as I reflect, who would have thought that I would have the opportunity to help the legacy of this great woman of courage. In school we were taught about many great people who served humanity. Harriet Tubman, The Moses of her people and the great conductor of the Underground Railroad, was one of them. She was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and resided in Auburn, New York, near Syracuse, where I recently relocated. While serving as Director of The Bowie State University Gospel Choir, several students hailed from the Eastern Shore, and invited us to perform there. The choir also performed in Washington, D. C. at the Harriet Tubman Elementary School music program which was sponsored by Geraldine Jackson, former music teacher. After relocating to the Syracuse area I was invited to narrate a fundraising concert to benefit the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn for the Harriet Tubman Boosters Club. The Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America recorded spirituals that related to Harriet Tubman’s journey on the Underground Railroad. Copies of this CD is available through Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc. (JHMN), jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Other great experiences were to be able to sing around the table at the Harriet Tubman Home, meet relatives and descendants of Harriet Tubman, visit the gravesite and pick apples from the tree at her home. The year 2013 marked the 100th year of the death of Harriet Tubman. Therefore, many activities and honors were presented, such as the unveiling of the Harriet Tubman Highway, Tree planting ceremonies, workshops and symposium, and more. We must continue to celebrate this heritage. JHMN, Inc. will launch a project for the community of Syracuse and beyond to provide opportunities for youth and adults to learn more about this great humanitarian and to move forward with the values of which she believed. The project will be open to schools, adult programs, after-school programs, churches and individuals. This project is designed for activities suing the theme of “Harriet Tubman: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Learning”. Participants will reinforce skills in music/arts, reading, writing, math, science, and other disciplines. The project will kick-off in mid- January with an Essay Contest, and musical. For information email jhillsman@twcny.rr.com.

Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

One Moment in Time: Up Front and Close with President Obama

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
September 5, 2013

President Barack Obama, perhaps, will never know what it meant or the exciting feelings that he generated just by having people, especially seniors, live out dreams that they thought would never come true. Who would have thought of during those times (those who came through, witnessed, or heard about the struggles of segregation in the South,) a Black president? Well, here we are in the 21st century witnessing great strides as history is being made. This is a testimony to the young and old that one can achieve their goals if they work hard, stay positively focused, learn from the wisdom of the trailblazers for success, freedom and achievement. Many may have had the opportunity to be in the presence of historical moments with the President of the United States, celebrities, dignitarians, and other significant people in all walks of life. However, it was “One moment in time”, when seniors and people could experience and reflect on their hopes and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. and so many others, that this day would come. I had the priviledge to experience the jubilation this year when my 80 year old aunt, Alma Goss Burke, who migrated from the farmland of Starr (Anderson County, South Carolina) called me to say that she had stood for about 2 and ½ hours just to see history unfold. President Obama was coming to Cincinnati. Alma relocated to Cinncinati, Ohio with her family and heard that President Obama would be coming there. She stated that she was determined to be a part of this history as it unfolded. As she was standing in line, a gentleman approached her and asked her to come to the front line where the president was coming through shaking hands. The rest was history as far as her excitement. She uttered words of encouragement to him. She uttered, “Thank You, God. This is history”. Lee Kye Thomas, my neighbor, a long-time citizen of Syracuse, New York, and hails from a family deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, related her feelings as she was actually” kissed “by President Obama during his most recent visit to our city. She often spoke of her brother, Jesse Epps, who was a resident of Syracuse, and was strongly in the struggle for Civil Rights. He was heavily involved with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. struggle for justice. Epps, a part of the garbage strike union, was instrumental in supporting Dr. King’s visit to Memphis. The two ladies, Lee and Alma shared their jubilation while being in the presence of President Obama (via phone) of how they have lived to share and reflect historical moments in time, 21st century as a part of history. This brought back memories to me, as I was a product of the South, coming to Washington, D.C., classmate of then Stokeley Carmichael. In 1963, one of my assignments at Howard University was to attend the “March on Washington” witnessing the “I have a Dream Speech”. We all encourage this generation and generations to come to plant their footsteps in the sands of time, leaving a legacy for mankind.

Spiritual Music Scene

The Life of Harriet Tubman:A Spiritual Journey Through Music

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
January 16, 2012

Willard Memorial Chapel, Auburn, NY — On February 12, 2012, the Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (SGMWA), under the direction of Dr. Joan R. Hillsman, will present an afternoon concert of inspired African music and negro spirituals to honor and celebrate the Life of Harriet Tubman. This concert will take place from 3 PM to 4 PM at the historic Willard Memorial Chapel in Auburn, NY, with admission of $10 per person. The concert will result in a DVD and CD, produced by TV America and Joe Debottis. Co-sponsored by the Harriet Tubman Boosters Club of Auburn, NY, this event will feature music composed and directed by Dr. Hillsman, and performed by members of the Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Their presentation will follow a narrative timeline of Harriet Tubmanʼs life from slavery in the south to freedom in the north. “It is an honor to have been chosen to spearhead such an event. I had the invitation and full tour of the Harriet Tubman’s home in Auburn, visited historical sites, spending most of the day walking where she walked, and getting a visual concept of the legacy that she left for humankind. It will also afford a great opportunity to those participants in the choir as they sing spirituals, some arranged and composed, telling the story of such a great lady that we all have read about throughout history,” says Hillsman, who is also an African American Historian. Join SGMWA in observing Black History Month with a rich collaboration of voices brought together in song to celebrate the life, struggles, and glorious triumph of American hero Harriet Tubman. ——————————————————- Dr. Joan R. Hillsman and Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Workshop of America are dedicated to reaching out to the Upstate New York Community and enhancing the quality of life via the arts. Dr. Hillsman has over 45 years of experience as a music educator holding a Bachelor and Master of Music Education and a Ph.D. in Musicology. Her association with the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), and her travels have allowed her to establish an international gospel connection that includes Africa, the Bahamas, Japan and Sweden, to name a few. The Harriet Tubman Boosters Club of Auburn, NY, has existed for nearly 60 years with a mission to keep the life’s work of American hero Harriet Tubman alive.

Spiritual Music Scene

Over 45 years of experience as a music educator

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
January 1, 2012

Dr. Hillsman has over 45 years of experience as a music educator holding a Bachelor and Master of Music Education and a Ph.D. in Musicology! She specializes in Gospel Music as a Minister of Music, church music clinician, and music for all occasions. Her travels have allowed her to establish an international gospel connection in Africa, the Bahamas, Japan and Sweden, to name a few. She retired as Supervising Director of Music for the D.C. Public Schools, Emeritus Professor of Music and Director of the Bowie State Gospel Choir where she produced its first gospel CD. She serves on the National Board of Directors for the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Director of Academics, A National Scholarship Chairperson, served as first Collegiate Scholarship Chairperson, and is one of the founding members of the DC Chapter GMWA, recently organized the Syracuse Chapter of GMWA. She Chaired the first HBCU Summit at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Having served 50 years in the Washington, DC area, relocating to Syracuse, NY in 2009, she served on the Mayors Transitional Team for the Arts in Syracuse, she is the Music Consultant and Presenter for Syracuse University’s “Say Yes To Education” program, Board Member for the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, Church Music Consultant, motivational speaker, curriculum writer, lecturer and performer. Worked for the late gospel promoter Mancel “speedy” Warrick (father of Dionne Warrick) screening new gospel artists for a recording company in New York City. She teaches private music lessons in piano, voice, theory and church music administration. She is the author of several books, her latest entitled, “Gospel Music: An African American Artform” (McGraw Hill Publishers). She was recently inducted in the legacy film industry. Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, MENC, Phi Delta Kappa, Top Ladies of Distinction and listed in several Who’s Who directories. She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women, NAACP, Research and Doctoral Committees, Adjunct Professor for several Universities.

Events Spiritual Music Scene

“On the Arts Scene”: What’s Happening: Summer Enrichment

by Dr. Joan Hillsman
June 6, 2011

Now that summer is fast approaching and you may want to experience new activities, focus on the arts activities. The results are very rewarding to youth and adults. The research has shown positive results, as I reiterate as a music and arts educator. Some of the findings from the standpoint of youth are that those who have participated in the arts score at higher levels on portions of the SAT. That is only one of the many positive expectations. For adults, the returns on developing life-long learning skills are super enormous. Overall, the arts provide a vehicle for developing a wholesome, well-rounded life. So, why not explore the many resources for arts experiences this summer. I believe you would continue. Listed below are a few activities and involvements around the city. The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) is proud to announce its partnership with Joan Hillsman’s Music Network (JHMN), which will bring classes to CFAC at 805 E. Genesee Street beginning June 14th. To celebrate this partnership there will be a reception and Grand Opening, Saturday, June 11th, 1PM-3PM at CFAC. Stop by! Refreshments and Entertainment! Meet Dr. Hillsman and the CFAC Staff. For further information contact CFAC at 315-442-2230 or jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. The Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (SGMWA), Dr. Joan Hillsman, Chair, Eric Dickson and Mark Carter, Assistant Chapter Representatives, will focus on community activities for area churches in order to boost their music departments. These services are free to the community by contacting jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Workshops are available on church music ministry topics, choir decorum, music for worship, liturgical movement, and more! Inquire about joining the city-wide SGMWA choir. It is open to the community. It is a diverse group. We are seeking instrumentalists and more involvement from ages 18-35 years for vocal balance. Community Folk Art Center Listings, 805 E. Genesee Street -For a complete listing contact http://www.communityfolkartcenter.org, 315-442-2230, cfac@syr.edu

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The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: Unforgotten Hero

One Moment in Time: Up Front and Close with President Obama

Celebrate September-Gospel Music Heritage Month

The Life of Harriet Tubman:A Spiritual Journey Through Music

Over 45 years of experience as a music educator

“On the Arts Scene”: What’s Happening: Summer Enrichment

Black Voices