This Is Her Story...This Is Her Song

Diane White (left) and Carmen Bishop

The Making of Music Here are some of the free activities that will be presented throughout the three-day series: “This Is Her Story … This Is Her Song.” Passing the Torch—a group of women ranging in age from the upper 70s to 90 discuss music in their lives. (March 30, 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.) Writing Your Story—a workshop conducted by Diane White to help non-composers write a song (March 30, 3–5 p.m.) Taking Control of Their Destiny—a sociologist discusses positive aspects of rap and hip-hop (March 31, 1:15–2:15 p.m.) Black Opera Divas—stars talk about their career paths, here and abroad (March 31, 2:30–4 p.m. For a complete list, with times and locations, as well as blogs and additional interactive activities, go to www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu

DIANE WHITE KNOWS MUSIC. As a composer, a vocalist, a pianist and a choral director at the University of California, Santa Barbara, for 18 years, the D.C.-raised artist known as “Dr. Dee” embraces all aspects. Now, she has turned her attention to creating a three-day exploration of women and song, March 29–31, here at Maryland. Using performances, lectures, presentations and workshops, White and other guest artists will consider a broad spectrum of musical styles. The event continues to grow, mirroring the high-energy style of White. “Everyone I ask says ‘yes’ to being a part of this enterprising endeavor,” she says. University partners include Women’s Studies, the Driskell Center for the Study of the Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora and the Nyumburu Cultural Center.

Three evening concerts at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (see “Maryland Live” centerfold) will bring music by, about and through black women to the forefront. “I wanted the umbrella to be bigger than just African American women,” explains White in her choice of the term black women.

People are encouraged to attend all three days or come as they can. All daytime events, many of them interactive, are free. Pre-concert activities give further depth to the experience. These range from a musical mosaic that takes one on a walk through time, from Africa to the present. Another puts all of the performers on stage for a facilitator-led discussion of works the audience will see. The final concert features an exploration of women of influence, among them Diana Ross, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, Mahalia Jackson and Tramaine Hawkins.

In the March 29 opening concert, Sacred and Choral Music by Black Women, Carmen Balthrop ’77, professor of voice and an acclaimed operatic singer, will perform “Medley of Spirituals” that White composed with the trained classical singer in mind. It is an evening that will feature three choirs: the award-winning High Point High School Choir, the professional Heritage Signature Chorale and the Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir—performing songs composed by black women.

On March 30, Singing Her Story—their lives, their struggle, their beauty and their love—will include Naima Jamaal, a rap artist performing with acoustic guitar. “I wanted to feature rap that would be edifying, positive and uplifting to the spirit,” explains White of the artist who works at the Nyumburu Center. The Creative Collective includes a cellist, poet, pianist/guitarist and soloist soprano Karla Scott, who studied with Balthrop as a graduate student.

On March 31, Celebrating Black Women and Song presents a tribute to legendary black vocalists of R&B, jazz and blues. Women of the Gospel, a local group, will provide the rousing finale to both the concert and the series.

“When you think of American popular music you can’t think of it without naming songs that have been interpreted by African American female artists who, have made social change,” explains White. —DB

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