The forthcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on January 20th has people all over the world eagerly awaiting the greatly anticipated change that will begin manifesting throughout the next eight (yes eight) years.  In keeping with this new era of change, the newly installed Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, Dr. Alton B Pollard, III moved the Divinity School into a new, creative direction when for the first time in its history jazz became a part of the school's 92nd Annual Convocation.  A Day of Jazz and Gospel debuted to a welcoming audience of students, alumni, and HUSD supporters.  Dr. Pollard was officially installed the following day.     
 
The two part jazz presentation opened with Sacred Music in the Church:  A Dialogue Between Jazz and Gospel.  The workshop was led by Dr. Dwight Andrews and Dr. Bobby Jones.  Dr. Andrews is an ordained minister, former Yale University professor, and former music director for a number of renowned playwright August Wilson's Broadway productions.  Dr. Jones is the well known host and producer of BET's Bobby Jones Gospel, the first and only nationally syndicated Black gospel television show.  During the discussion both presenters reminded the audience of the shared origins and similar styles of Jazz, Blues and Gospel, all tracing their roots to an African heritage.  When Thomas A. Dorsey first combined his jazz/blues rhythms with sacred lyrics, ultimately introducing gospel to the black church, many conservatives refused to allow such music into their services, calling it the devil's music. 
 
The second half of the Day of Jazz and Gospel concluded with a Jazz Vespers Concert.  The concert had outstanding vocalists and musicians representing both jazz and gospel.  One of the most surprising and invigorating performances was the jazz arrangement of The Lord's Prayer by classically trained pianist, Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan.  A similar combination was presented by the three-octave vocalist, Kathleen Bertrand in her rendition of Up Above My Head.  For the entire evening, an outstanding instrumental jazz quartet accompanied the solo artists as well as the gospel group, Elements of Praise, as they each continued to demonstrate the interconnection between jazz and gospel with soul stirring renditions. The audience loved it all.  The exhilarating energy of the Spirit of God was clearly in the chapel.  Old and young alike were on their feet clamoring for more of the music that was filling their souls with happiness and joy.  They understood:  it's all from God. 
 
It is now becoming more common for churches of various denominations to open their doors to include jazz concerts as a part of their ministry.  Of course there are still those who are opposed, but Dean Pollard has clearly demonstrated God will not be boxed in under his leadership.  The Howard University School of Divinity has a legacy of forward movement and will continue to introduce its students to new ways of  remaining spiritually relevant for the church and religious communities they will enter upon graduation. 
 
 
Like President-elect Barack Obama, positive change has already been attached to the name of Dr. Alton B. Pollard, III.  More is surely on the way.  As a new year begins, it is incumbent upon each individual to look within to determine just how open to helpful, hopeful, positive change you really are.  
 
  
 Diane Brenda Williams, D.Min

 

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