Ypsilanti Freighthouse
Come Together: An Evening of Community and Song
UMS’s Ypsilanti Freighthouse residency begins with an invitation to community members to share their voices through a Community Sing, led by Detroit native Dr. Brandon Waddles, a transcriber of Black gospel music whose choral compositions and arrangements have been performed around the world.
Led by Dr. Waddles, and featuring four solo singers and piano, keyboard, and electric bass, this event brings the community together to sing both familiar and new songs. The house will open at 6:30 for participants to enjoy food and social interaction before the Community Sing.
No prior singing experience or training is required.
Brandon’s choral compositions and arrangements have been published and performed by choral ensembles around the world. In 2019, he was awarded as the inaugural recipient of the ACDA Diverse Voices Collaborative Grant. In addition, he has worked as a transcriber of Black gospel music for numerous choral octavos, hymnals and hymnal supplements published by GIA, including his work as a contributing editor for the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism hymnal. Brandon’s release of Just In Case You’ve Forgotten is the first selected compendium of works by the late Thomas Whitfield, the subject of his dissertation. Dr. Waddles’ scholarship on Black sacred music has been experienced in the halls of Harvard, Yale, Morehouse and Hampton, and most recently on American Black Journal as seen on PBS.
Recently serving as Music Director for Grammy award-winning recording artist Ledisi, Brandon has collaborated with the celebrated singer on multiple occasions, including her Nina & Me concert series, the LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE show-run at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone as seen on PBS.
Dr. Waddles persists in his commitment to community as National Music Director for NAACP ACT-SO, Artist in Residence at Midland Centre for the Arts, as well as Assistant Director of Music at Christ Church Cranbrook.
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