The College of Music enthusiastically participated once again in Michigan State University's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebrations.

The 43rd annual slate of events honoring the life of Dr. King took place across campus, beginning with the return of the in-person Community Unity Dinner. As MSU Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., said at the event, “Dr. King’s message remains relevant and continues to provide our community, state and nation with the wisdom and courage to pursue, with purpose and perseverance, a world of justice and equity.”

Music has a rich tradition on the campus of MSU, and in 2023 the College offered two opportunities to celebrate the life of Dr. King and continue to spread his message. Through special jazz and carillon programs, highlighted below, the College of Music had the campus swinging and ringing in celebration.

JAZZ

For many years, the Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concert has been a cornerstone of MSU celebrations of Dr. King. This year, the free but sold out concert featured MSU Jazz Orchestra II under the direction of Anthony Stanco, and special guest conductor and trumpet soloist Kris Johnson, a Music alumnus and director of the MSU Community Music School in Detroit.

Above is an excerpt from a performance at the concert on January 15, 2023, in Fairchild Theatre. The music is Centerpiece, with music by Harry "Sweets" Edison, lyrics by Jon Hendricks, and arranged by Kris Johnson. Jazz Orchestra II performs with (from left to right) vocalists Rockelle Whitaker, Tiffany Gridiron, and Lulu Fall, and trumpeters Kris Johnson and Anthony Stanco, conductor.

The program included the music of Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, Booker Little, Curtis Mayfield, and Donny Hathaway, highlighted by guest vocalists Lulu Fall, Tiffany Toriumi, and Rockelle Whitaker. It was generously sponsored by Mary and Patrick McPharlin, and Beth Cafagna in loving memory of her husband Al Cafagna, MSU professor of Philosophy, a lifelong jazz fan and saxophone player, and worker for civil rights.

CARILLON

In addition to jazz, MLK Day in 2023 featured another performance supported by the College that graced the north campus: a special carillon concert. Carillonist Laurie Harkema led off with a rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing and followed with American spirituals and much more. The concert, free and open to the public on the grounds near Beaumont Tower, presented an opportunity to hear this unique instrument on our campus as it rang out the sounds of hope and freedom. (Video by Danny Zivian)