York University AMPD and Arizona State University Virtually Unite Gospel Choirs with Kirk Franklin’s Arrangement of the Johnson Brothers’ “Lift Every Voice & Sing”
York AMPD and Arizona State University Virtually Unite with “Lift Every Voice & Sing”
“Lift Every Voice & Sing” premieres on Sunday, September 26th, 2021, at 5PM EST on YouTube.
Seventy students across academic disciplines, geographic locations and cultures in international chorus. Students are accompanied by Corey Butler in harmony with Kirk Franklin’s arrangement of the Johnson Brothers’ Black national anthem ‘Lift Every Voice & Sing.’
In 2020, Professor Karen Burke and Professor Nathan De’Shon Myers aimed to expand gospel music’s exposure in academia. They set out to produce an international academic showcase creating a global partnership without leaving their home countries. Still, they offered students a global perspective by developed an international curriculum involving professors switching virtual classrooms for covid-safe cross-border lessons. The results are harmonious.
Remote recording techniques bridge Toronto, Ontario and Tempe, Arizona as York University’s and Arizona State University’s gospel choirs culminate a year-long partnership.
About Professor Karen Burke:
Karen Burke developed the first post-secondary gospel music curricular courses in Canada, establishing the York University Gospel Choir. Burke distinguishes herself as an inspired educator winning the BBPA Harry Jerome Award for outstanding achievement in the arts.
