105 Voices concert highlights talent

Many people are obsessed with finding the next new big thing, the love for that “old time (religion),” get lost in translation. The 105 Voices of History HBCU choir exemplifies those great old African American spirituals and keep them alive.
Founded by Renata “Toni” Roy, The 105 Voices of History HBCU Choir concert is held annually at the John F. Kennedy Center For Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
This extraordinary event showcases talents of the brightest student musicians of all 105 HBCUs in America.
The music department at Prairie View A&M University has participated in 105 Voices and this year was no exception.
The concert was held Friday, Sept. 21 in the Mellon Auditorium. Dr. A. Jan Taylor was featured as a national conductor in this year’s 105 Voices of History choir. Taylor along with the rest of the 105 HBCU directors, have chosen students who demonstrated exemplary musicianship and love for the art of music.
Desiree Washington, a junior vocal performance major, alumni Quodeshia Johnson and Miles Hogan were able to travel to Washington D.C. and participate in the 105 Voices of History.
105 Voices of History also holds workshops and offers opportunities for students to get scholarships. Washington described the event to be both rewarding and enriching and expressed how much of an honor it was to perform with the choir. This concert does more than just showcase the talents of HBCU choirs.
“It helps perceive HBCU legacy choirs. It highlights the importance of the HBCU choral and touch the lives of the students who participated,” said Taylor.