The Arts Association in Newton County will present the Morehouse College Glee Club at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Church at Covington in Oxford.
"We at the arts association are very intentional about bringing quality and credible arts presentations, whatever they are, to Newton County," said Buncie Lanners, executive director of the Arts Association in Newton County, "and the Morehouse College Glee Club is world-renowned for their talent."
The arts association often collaborates with Springfield Baptist Church, headed by Pastor Eric Lee who formerly sang in Morehouse's Glee Club. He helped Lanners with bringing the choir to the county.
Lanners said the concert accomplishes a number of arts association goals such as celebrating diversity and encouraging students interested in music or attending Morehouse College to witness the choral style of the club's members.
She added glee clubs are now rare on college campuses, but the 90-year-old Morehouse club is alive and well.
Kyle Stewart, Morehouse College Glee Club president, said the 90-minute performance under the direction of David Morrow will feature spirituals, anthems and pieces arranged by black composers.
A few selections in the program were arranged by glee club directors or members.
Stewart said the Morehouse College Glee Club is different from all other glee clubs.
"We are the only African-American all-male glee club that I know of," Stewart said. "There are no other glee clubs like ours and Morehouse College is unique in itself.
"Our rich tradition has carried us all over the world."
During the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympics, members participated in the opening and closing ceremonies with Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan and Trisha Yearwood.
This fall the men have traveled to Shreveport, La., Jackson, Miss., Dallas and Macon.
The glee club will join with Spelman College for the 81st time Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 for the Annual Morehouse -Spelman Christmas Concert Series.
Stewart said the Nov. 17 show is something Covington residents will not want to miss.
"I promise when you leave, you'll want to hear more," he said.
For more information about the Morehouse College Glee Club, visit www.mcgclub.com.
