PR225
Tuskeegee Choir Series Chorus Book
(William L. Dawson)
William Levi Dawson was a composer, choir director, professor, and musicologist. He is responsible for many notable works including the Negro Folk Symphony and Out in the Fields. Many of his arrangements of traditional African American spirituals are widely published and regularly performed by school, college, and community chorus programs. Dawson received the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club award for Merit in 1968. He was also elected to the Alpha Alpha chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the music fraternity, in 1977.
The Tuskegee Choir was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881 with the goal of promoting the interest of Tuskegee institute by acquainting charitable audiences with the Tuskegee name. Initially the choir was only a quartet but grew to a full ensemble in 1886 because Washington wanted a group of singers who could lead vesper services and sing for special campus occasions. Dawson is regarded as the most renowned director, composer, and educator. He took over as director of the chorus in 1931.
Sources: https://www.tuskegee.edu/student-life/join-a-student-organization/choir/choir-history and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_L._Dawson_(composer)#Honors
The Tuskegee Choir was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881 with the goal of promoting the interest of Tuskegee institute by acquainting charitable audiences with the Tuskegee name. Initially the choir was only a quartet but grew to a full ensemble in 1886 because Washington wanted a group of singers who could lead vesper services and sing for special campus occasions. Dawson is regarded as the most renowned director, composer, and educator. He took over as director of the chorus in 1931.
Sources: https://www.tuskegee.edu/student-life/join-a-student-organization/choir/choir-history and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_L._Dawson_(composer)#Honors