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One Voice

Musical collaboration with RVA-area spiritual chorus connects history with the performing arts in Black History Month celebration
In a special Chapel this week, Trinity hosted an emotionally moving and inspiring performance from the One Voice Chorus. One Voice began as a collaboration between two local churches, one predominantly Black and one predominantly white. Through their performances, they offer to “sing the beauty and power of diversity in an atmosphere of openness, inclusiveness, mutual respect, and fun.”

The performance was presented at Trinity in honor of Black History Month and in coordination with the Black Alliance Initiative (BAI) student club led by Cheri Bradby, Chaplain Brian Griffen, the DEI Advisory and the Vocal Ensemble. Trinity student singers joined One Voice on stage for a portion of the repertoire, which featured both praise and popular music written and arranged by African Americans through history. Pieces included the iconic spiritual “Swing Low,” gospel number “Let Everything That Has Breath, Praise the Lord” and Duke Ellington’s jazz standard “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

Through informative interludes between each song, John McLean, Jr, artistic director, detailed the influence of the African American spiritual form on gospel, jazz, blues and other Christian denominational praise music. Through songs like “Hold On,” said he hoped to bring a message of inspiration and encouragement to every listener who may have moments of fear or self doubt. “Hold on,” he said. “No matter the struggle, there’s always a better day.”

Choral Director Erin Flynn said the Trinity performers enjoyed their collaboration with One Voice, describing the experience as both educational and fun, “from the way the pianist and the conductor communicated, the expressiveness of the piano, the trust between the vocalist and the conductor, and the confidence of the choir members.”

In March, the Trinity Vocal Ensemble will explore this historical art form more deeply with a trip to Nashville, which will include a visit with the world-renowned Fisk University Jubilee Singers. 

“This program prepared the students to understand the rich history and significance of this visit, while educating the entire school about Black History through music,” said Flynn. “At Trinity, it's wonderful to have resources such as BAI and the DEI committee to support teachers in education initiatives.”
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Trinity Episcopal School

3850 PITTAWAY DR | RICHMOND VA 23235-1099 | Phone: 804.272.5864 | Fax: 804.272.5865 Email: mail@trinityes.org