First United Methodist Shreveport and Centenary College Choir to premier new major work by Shreveport native James Eakin

On February 12, 2012, the Chamber Choir of First United Methodist Church will join forces with the Centenary College Choir to premier Flowers Over the Graves of War by James Eakin. This is the first of two performances that comprise the world premier of the work, the second taking place at Carnegie Hall in New York later in February. Combining the words of traditional Latin Requiem Mass with new poetry by Michael Dennis Browne, Eakin creates a stirring vision and prayer for peace through his music. He describes Flowers as a "work of unconditional love. Just as parents love their children in times of disappointment, so too does God, in my opinion, love his children even in their darkest times… This composition is one of contrast: good versus evil, light versus darkness, love versus hate, innocence versus death of faith."
James was a member of the youth and music programs at First Methodist and is also an alum of the Centenary Choir, creating a truly unique and personal connection for this performance. He later received his Doctorate in Music Composition and currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to widen his compositional scope, writing music for the concert stage as well as composing scores for film and television. Flowers Over the Graves of War will be accompanied by full orchestra and is free and open to the public. The performance will take place in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in downtown Shreveport at 4 pm.

The Centenary Choir will continue on to New York to sing the premier at Carnegie Hall on February 20 at 7 pm, part of a six day concert tour of the city.

Choir returns from Top Shelf Brazil and Argentina Tour

The 2010-2011 year was a typically busy one for the Centenary Choir, ending with another successful international tour. The trip marked the 22nd international tour and the Choir’s first excursion into Argentina. The Choir was honored to have the College President and wife, Mrs. Jodi Rowe, which quickly led to the students calling President Rowe and Dave “The Daves” and Emily Hobson and Jodi Rowe “The Moms.”

The Choir’s stay in Brazil was filled with exciting sight-seeing and concerts that kept true to the Choir’s traditions and standards. The Choir sang in churches and Methodist universities in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, strengthening the college’s Methodist connections and opening future avenues of collaboration for Centenary and these respective institutions. The sight-seeing menu included a tour of the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue where the choir had an impromptu performance of The Lord Bless You and Keep You that was definitely a highlight of the trip. Another highlight was exploring the Iguassu falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.

The last four days of the trip were spent concertizing and exploring the fascinating city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The final concert of the year was held at Collegio Ward, where the Choir performed for over 600 elementary and high school aged students. After the concert, choir members were able to meet and talk with some of the older students—perhaps we’ll see some of these one day at Centenary! The tour concluded with the end of the year banquet held at our hotel in Buenos Aires, where 13 seniors signed the branding board and completed their time as current members of the choir, but now are the newest members of the Choir alumni!

- Laura Neville ‘12

Rhapsody in View 2011—Celebrating 70 years of the
Centenary Choir with An American Homecoming

Date: Saturday, November 5 @ 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 6 @ 2:30 pm
Location: Riverview Theater, Shreveport, Louisiana

As the Choir turns 70 this year, it is fitting to mark the occasion with a uniquely American themed program for America’s Singing Ambassadors. And, as is the group’s Anniversary tradition, all Choir alumni are invited to attend and perform the second half of this year’s Rhapsody in View. The College has also offered an additional opportunity for reconnecting to all alumni by moving Homecoming to Rhapsody Weekend. We hope you will be able to join us for exciting music and fellowship! The schedule is as follows:

Co-sponsored by the Downtown Lions Club, proceeds from the concert support projects such as sight conservation, Lions Eye Research Foundation, the Northwest Louisiana Lions Eye Bank, and the Lions Camp near Leesville, Louisiana.

Tickets may be purchased from Centenary Choir members, Downtown Lions Club members, at the Hurley School of Music at Centenary, at all Porters Cleaners locations, or by phoning (318) 869-5235.

*Homecoming will encompass November 3-6, and the College will publish a complete schedule of Homecoming events.

**Rhapsody registration forms will be sent in a separate mailing.

Choir to Tour New York in February 2012:
Alumni Welcome to Participate!

In February 2012, the Choir has been invited to sing the world premier of Choir alumnus Dr. James Eakin's Flowers Over the Grave of War in Carnegie Hall in New York. James is a member of the class of 2000 and has been actively forging a great career in composition. We are honored to join with other choirs, most of whom are all connected to James, in presenting this piece in such a great concert venue. Any singers or family members who wish to join the Choir for this short New York tour and concert are welcome to do so. Please contact David Hobson if you are interested in more details.

New Choir Truck

Thanks to the generosity of alumni donors, spearheaded by Ken Bowdon, the Choir was able to purchase a new truck this past summer. Nicknamed “Rooster” after choir alumnus Henry Bowdon, the new truck has already performed admirably and added great stability to the Choir’s touring. A couple of pictures for your enjoyment!