Players highlights black history through music

Feb. 21 was an evening of both smooth jazz and upbeat hip hop as the students and faculty of Prairie View entertained guests with "A Little Jazz and Evolution Mix Tape Volume 1" in the Hobart Recital Hall.

Food and laughter filled the hallways as anxious guests came to view a special moment of black history. The interim department head for the Music and Drama Department, Dr. Wendy Burgen, welcomed guests with a brief summary of the department's accomplishments and plans.

During the musical portion of the program, the Prairie View Jazz Ensemble entertained the audience with their upbeat tunes and solos. Professor Robert Sanders served as the ensemble's conductor. Sanders' band, The Robert Sanders Jazz Trio, also amazed the audience with their talents on the piano, bass and drums.

"It ["A Little Jazz"] was really soulful, and really entertaining and relaxing. I didn't understand jazz when I was younger and my grandma tried to put that type of music on me, but now that I'm older and know some history, I can appreciate the creativity," said Warren Blackmon, senior theatre arts major.

After a brief intermission, the Charles Gilpin Players showcased their talents of tap dancing, singing, and dramatic interpretation. Several issues that blacks have faced and continue to face in their lives were shown. Music featured in the play ranged from African drumbeats, to quirky jazz and current day hip-hop.

"It was important because it showed how deep hip-hop can go," said Blackmon, one of the play's featured actors. "Hip-Hop goes back to when we were in Africa by the drums, to slavery in America and them using songs for messages, and all of that ties into today."

Although the play was centered on music, several issues facing the black community were also a focus. During scenes of the play, poetry was recited exposing the inner thoughts and feelings of many blacks.

"I really liked the part when the young lady talked about the usage of the 'N' word and how because people use it so much, it's become busy," said sophomore Lorell Williams. "Overall, the entire program was good and I enjoyed it. It showed that there has been a change in music and how it evolves accordingly with the people who need it at that time. Very enlightening."