Student Julius Miller debuts composition at “Lift Every Voice” concert

By: RYAN LOHMAN
Staff Writer

The sixth annual “Lift Every Voice: Celebrating the African American Spirit” concert will be held at the Northside Hall Campus Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22.

The South Bend Symphonic Choir and IU South Bend Gospel Choir will be performing with special guests Rodney Mack on trumpet, Maria Corley on piano and Denise Murchison singing soprano.

Beyond that noteworthy lineup, the concert will feature a first. A piece composed by IUSB junior Julius Miller, “Set Me as a Seal,” will be performed by Miller and his peers.

“The text of the piece is taken from the Bible,” Miller said, “More specifically, the Song of Solomon.”

Miller wrote and performed his compositions before when he sang in The United Voices of Detroit, a choir from his hometown. But according to Miller, this will be the first time that a piece written by a student will be featured in this concert series.

“The main view of the text is that love can withstand anything only if you allow it into your life,” Miller said, “This is the concept I based this piece upon.”

Miller will be in good musical company. This year’s headliner is an accomplished trumpeter from New Orleans. Rodney Mack is the leader of The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass band, and also plays with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

According to an IUSB press release, Mack will host a master class free of charge at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, in the Education and Arts Building room 1103.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Northside box office for $3.00. Admission is free for students and children.

“You will be in for a night of inspiration, remembrance, and festive celebration,” Miller said, “It will be a treat for all to enjoy, and I am truly blessed to be a part of it.”