“In Song and Verse”

Heritage Singers at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, November 2

“In Song and Verse,” a program of traditional spirituals and poetry by African-American composers and poets will be presented at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Midland on Sunday, November 2, 2014, at 3:30 p.m.  This special concert will feature music by the Heritage Singers, the St. John’s Choir and Bell Choir plus poetry readings.  Light refreshments will be offered in Williams Hall after the performance taking place in the sanctuary.   

The Heritage Singers Vocal Ensemble is dedicated to the performance of the traditional African-American spiritual.  This group was initially organized in 1982 as a small chorale requested to sing at a Dr. Martin Luther King program at United Church of Christ in Midland.  Under the direction of Iris Haynes, the chorale performed at many functions in the city until the Haynes family moved from the area in 1988.  After relocating back to Midland in 1996, the ensemble was reorganized with the name the “Heritage Singers.”  In addition to UCC-Midland, the group has performed at Midland’s First Baptist Church, Midland Seventh Day Adventist, the Midland Center for the Arts, Bethel A.M.E. Church and Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church in Saginaw.

The name “heritage” refers to the genre of music the ensemble performs, primarily traditional spirituals arranged by African-American composers.  Members of the group are mostly from the tri-city area, as well as from Genesee and Oakland counties.  Sister Claudette Thompson is a member of this group.

The program promises to be a wonderful and unique performance experience.  The church is located at 405 North Saginaw Road (corner of St. Andrews and North Saginaw Road).   All are welcome to attend.