January 7, 2025
​
Dear Students:
​
Exciting news! The USF Institute on Black Life has invited YOU to kick off their annual conference on February 6th! This year's theme is "Black Joy." I think we can agree that it could not be more timely and imperative for us to gather, connect and create around this theme.
​
While I have been asked to coordinate, this ensemble is about you- your creativity, your voice, your lived experience. We will spend the short weeks leading up to February 6th reimagining works from the Black American Sheet Music Collection, located in the USF Special Collections Library. Post performance, your arrangements will be published here at The Press @ Rising Tide Music & Arts.
​​
​
All styles and methods of music making are welcome!
Any way you fill in the blanks, _____ instrument + _____ voice + ____ beat = nothing new.
It's just what we do.
​​
​
Rehearsals will be limited, efficient and based on your availability. This means a bit of work in between, but I think you'll enjoy it. This is a volunteer opportunity, but there will be food at rehearsals. Also, if you register for the conference (free), lunch will be provided. Tentative schedule for concert day is as follows (shows max time commitment):
​
9:45am - Load out from SOM (morning helpers)
10:00am - Load in/set up at MSC
10:15am - Call time (remaining performers)
10:30am - Sound check
11:00am - Conference begins (performance some time between 11am-12pm)
12:30pm - Hard stop/load out (everyone helps)
1:00pm - Load in at SOM (afternoon helpers)
1:30pm - End of day
​
Please don't let your schedule prevent you from participating. If you have a class conflict on concert day, I can write an appeal to your instructor(s). If your overall schedule is crazy with no room for extra rehearsals, you can do a solo or duo performance. We have 30 minutes to fill, which leaves room for multiple combinations of performers.
All said, here is a recap of links to explore:
​​
​
Are you ready to connect as a community within the School of Music (finally)?
Are you ready to create something that celebrates the Black community at USF?
Are you ready for a published composer credit?
​​
​
Well, then- sign up below! ​Questions? Email me at allyssaj@usf.edu.
​​​​
Best,
​
Prof. Jones