Aural Compass Projects

Born in Chicago, IL in 1913, Margaret Bonds was a composer, pianist, and teacher. Her music ranges from classical to popular, and she has often incorporated jazz influences into her work. Bonds made history when she became the first African American to perform as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. Her life has been punctuated by close friendships with such notable individuals as Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, and renowned composer Florence Price. We, Too, Sing America: African American Voices of Song, is a virtual series created by Aural Compass Projects during their 2020-2021 season. This project is a resource for musicians and music lovers interested in learning through its exploration of 16 African American composers and poets who have contributed to the art song genre. Featuring interviews with modern-day leading performers and scholars of spirituals and African American art song, each episode focuses on a specific composer or poet’s life, influence, and their important works. These episodes are intended to provide an introduction and the tools necessary to continue your own research on each artist. Guest speakers include: Susheel Bibbs, soprano, scholar, and filmmaker Dr. Christine Jobson, soprano, and author Dr. Louise Toppin, soprano, and scholar Taylor-Alexis DuPont, mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis, mezzo-soprano Dr. Marquese Carter, tenor, Murray State University, and President of The International Florence Price Festival Dr. Darryl Taylor, countertenor, and founder of African American Art Song Alliance Dr. Tsitsi Ella Jaji, poet, scholar, Duke University Meroë Khalia Adeeb, soprano Resources for further research: African American Art Song Alliance | https://artsongalliance.org/ Afrocentric Voices | https://afrovoices.com/margaret-bonds-biography/ African Diaspora Project | https://africandiasporamusicproject.org/margaret_bonds Classical Vocal Reprints | https://www.classicalvocalrep.com/ Videmus | https://videmus.org/index.php?fwa=aboutus

Our educational series on African American composers of song, We, Too, Sing America, premieres on Monday, January 18th with an episode on Margaret Bonds! Margaret Bonds wrote over 50 vocal works, however, only a handful of her pieces were published during her lifetime. Her Three Dream Portraits are probably the most well-known songs written by her and have become a staple in American Art Song repertoire - we wouldn't mind hearing them even more often! Here is a clip of Dr. Marquese Carter describing their favorite moment from the last song of this set, "I, Too." Margaret Bonds episode airs on Monday, January 18 on our YouTube channel! -------------------------------- I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America.

We, Too, Sing America premieres next week with an episode on Margaret Bonds! We are extremely excited to share all of the wonderful information and insight given from our guest speakers. Margaret Bonds had a long-lasting relationship with Langston Hughes, both personal and professional. They collaborated on all sorts of projects together, from plays to musical theatre to art song. Here’s a short clip of Dr. Louise Toppin talking about Margaret Bonds’ first introduction to Langston Hughes and the impact it had on her. Margaret Bonds episode airs on Monday, January 18 on our YouTube channel!

We had a blast interviewing Judith Still, daughter of William Grant Still, for our upcoming series - We, Too, Sing America! Here’s a short clip of her reminiscing about her childhood and relationship with her father. We’ll have a few more clips for you before the series premiere on January 18! Stay tuned!