Why He Leads

Charles “Chuck” Dickerson III wears the most vulnerable to police brutality.” In 2012, in response to many musical hats. Conductor, compos- the not-guilty verdict of Trayvon Martin’s killer, one of the young er, singer, educator, and mentor — he is men in ICYOLA called him up on the phone and said, “Mr. equally respected for his work on the concert Dickerson, we need to do something about this. Let’s put on stage as in the classroom. The former lawyer hoodies and play a concert at the courthouse.” Instead, they gave and city attorney for city of Inglewood, California, a concert the next evening at Holman United Methodist Church began his conducting career more than 45 years ago in L.A., and every year since, the group has performed annual and has directed performances of orchestral and choral tribute concerts to memorialize the victims of gun violence, both works throughout the United States, Africa, Asia, and young and old, including the mass shootings in Las Vegas and

Europe. In December 2019, Musical America recognized him as South Carolina. one of the Top 30 Professionals of the Year. “Colin Kaepernick became quite famous for taking a knee

The titles of which Dickerson is most proud, however, is as when the national anthem was being played, and he was being founder, executive director, and conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA). He laughs easily and is clearly in his element, smiling broadly “ ICYOLA is the denounced by Mr. Trump,” says Dickerson. “I thought, That is not right. We kneel because of the blood of young Black men flowing in the streets of America; the scene plays time and from the podium, surrounded by the student musicians to whom he respectfully refers as largest free again: Black men killed in America.” “young people.” and primarily Dickerson remembers when he was an assis-

“ICYOLA is the largest free and primarily African-American tant city attorney in Los Angeles and IngleAfrican-American symphony orchestra in the country with a regular season,” Dickerson says. symphony wood. “I represented a young man of 17 or 18 who was charged and convicted with murder. Formed in 2009, ICYOLA is “something I orchestra in the Though we avoided the death penalty, he is created, so you know it’s my first child,” he says. country with a now in prison for life,” Dickerson recalls. “That ICYOLA has affiliated orchestras that include the South Side Chicago Youth Orchestra regular season. impacted me a lot. I remember thinking how he never had a chance. He was born and raised in (SSCYO) and the Youth Orchestra of Tsakane, South Africa. “They are my babies,” he beams. ” a broken family and got involved with people whom he thought would care for him.” Dickerson wondered, “What if that young This is Why We Kneel man had a different upbringing? He might not

Dickerson’s powerful work, “This is Why We Kneel,” was have hung around the wrong crowd and did the wrong thing.” composed in 2018 in tribute to Colin Kaepernick, the former “More than a conductor, I consider myself a father to my quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, who famously began the students,” Dickerson says. He wants them to acquire the practice of kneeling during the National Anthem in protest of discipline of self-confidence and self-esteem through the pursuit racial injustice. ICYOLA and the ICYOLA Men’s Chorus of musical excellence. He says he hopes those qualities “will recorded the piece, and video was added last year to include become inculcated as values in their lives,” and that his students images depicting racial injustice, pain and protests. “Our message will become “very well disciplined to always pursue something is to implore people to stop the killing in America … in response of great promise and great dignity.” to a political situation, an important social issue in our country,” Dickerson recognizes that times have changed for people Dickerson explains. of color. “When I was starting out, most African Americans

“My orchestra is comprised primarily of African American would be church musicians or teachers. It was rare to see them as young people — quite a few young boys and men from middle classical musicians on the concert stage, opera houses, and major school through college age,” Dickerson says. “I feel that they are American orchestras,” he says. “There are many more opportu-

nities for African Americans in classical music One of the I Have a Dream nowadays.” “One of the elements of African American elements of African Dickerson started playing the piano at the age 3 and played the trumpet from fifth grade cultures is that we were always taught that American cultures through high school. He also sang in the high you have to be able to play three or four times is that we were school choir and started composing. “I penned better than anybody else, just to make the team,” Dickerson says. “And if you’re not ready always taught that my first piece, a fantasy on a chorale, on staff paper,” he says. “Many of Bach’s Chorales are to do that yet,” he tells his students, “then you you have to be able really hymns.” At age 21, while in law school, need to go and practice because the only way to standout is to demonstrate that you are worthy and that you are better than others.” Music is a lifetime pursuit, Dickerson says. “It’s not a thing that you can pick up today and say ‘OK, I have mastered that. Now let me move on to the next thing.’” For those who want a career in music, Dickerson asks: “Do you have first-hand knowledge of a musician’s life? Do you know any musicians? Do you to play three or four times better than anybody else, just to make the team. ” he conducted his first choir, following in the footsteps of his father, a church choir conductor. His musical family includes his mother, who was a singer, and one of his older brothers is a jazz pianist. “Choral music is in my blood,” Dickerson says. “My parents always had classical music on the record player, and it was always choir music.” But after going on 20 years of practicing law, he know what it means to be a musician? How much practice do was offered the opportunity to conduct. “I jumped at the chance,” you put in a day? Can you commit yourself to this profession? he says. Because this is a lifetime experience.” Dickerson’s best-known work is “I Have A Dream,” a setting

He hopes that his students’ experience in ICYOLA gives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark speech for SATB choir them the musical knowledge and technical skills to prepare them and orchestra, which was written to commemorate the civil rights if they do want a career in music. “That would be fantastic!” he leader. “I couldn’t embellish or do better by putting my text or says. someone else’s text to it,” Dickerson says. When choosing lyrics, he says he often borrows texts from other sources, such as the

bible or gospel songs, and only writes his own King’s words, in ble, and rehearsals are held on Sunday nights. lyrics when inspired to say something. “King’s words, in my opinion, are among the most my opinion, are String students are offered free lessons given by students from the Colburn School in Los Anfamous and powerful words of any orator — in among the most geles. ICYOLA programs are funded by various at least the 20th century — worldwide, and particularly in America.” famous and corporate and government grants as well as its annual fundraiser at Disney Hall since 2012.

In 2011, he conducted ICYOLA and the powerful words “This whole experience of being in ICYOLA Morgan State University Chorus in a perfor- of any orator — in at should be fun,” he says. “The students look mance of “I Have a Dream” for the unveiling ceremonies of the Martin Luther King Jr. least the 20th forward to coming into rehearsal, they look forward to going home and getting it right for Memorial next to the National Mall in century — worldwide, next week when they come back, sitting with Washington D.C. In 2013, ICYOLA and the and particularly their teacher and with their contemporaries. I ICYOLA Chorus performed the piece at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. for Los in America. think that’s part of it too. They’re playing with other kids.” Angeles County’s official celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the speech, and on April 4, 2018, ICYOLA Chorus and the Gay Men’s ” ICYOLA partners with the L.A. Chamber Orchestra and the University of Southern California, to train emerging professionals from Chorus of Los Angeles performed the work historically underrepresented communities to at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to commemorate the life and take and win auditions with American orchestras. ICYOLA’s legacy of Dr. King on the 50th anniversary of his death. “The L.A. Orchestra Fellowship program is funded by The Andrew W. Washington performance put ICYOLA on the map,” he says. Mellon Foundation and enables four top-tier string players to play alongside the group’s young members. “The fellows increase Inner City Symphony the quality of our playing,” Dickerson says. “All of the young

The nonprofit orchestra’s members include young players people in our string sections aspire to play as well as the fellows.” from all skill levels and experienced musicians who act as men- ICYOLA also partners with After School Matters in Chicago. tors and teachers. Auditions are not needed to join the ensem-

The students have had opportunities to perform in several film production soundtracks. ICYOLA recorded the film score composed by Timo Chen for CAP, an HBO short film about the destruction that gun violence leaves behind, and for a Converse Campaign with performances by ICYOLA members. They also performed “Beautiful Dreamer” in “If Anything Happens, I Love You,” a 12-minute short animated movie on Netflix.

“I did the orchestration for the song, and an ensemble from our orchestra performed the orchestral background to this song,” Dickerson says. “Our part lasts only about 45 seconds. But it is us!”

Prior to the pandemic, ICYOLA performed 8 to 10 symphonic concerts each year, and smaller groups performed in community events practically every weekend. “Zoom does not support synchronous playing,” Dickerson explains, although many of the orchestra’s members take advantage of the free weekly Zoom lessons from students at Colburn School. “Despite a successful virtual recital of solo performances by members of ICYOLA during the pandemic, we have decided to wait until the lockdown is lifted before resuming any in-person rehearsals,” he says. “I get calls or emails just about every day asking me, ‘Mr. Dickerson, when is this thing going to be over so we can get back together?’ Sadly, I have to tell them, ‘Not yet.’ We are a close-knit family. It is hard to be apart.”

Since last March, Dickerson has focused much of his time to composing. His two new pieces are entitled “Psalm 91” and “The Storm is Passing Over.”

“Once the pandemic is over, I will record these compositions,” he says. “I have just composed a song in tribute to President-Elect Biden and Vice-President Elect Harris entitled “A New Day in America.”

While COVID-19 has curbed what Dickerson and ICYOLA can do in person, plans for a Disney+ film that will tell the story of the orchestra, its members, and its founder, are in early development now. Bobby Smith Jr., who produced Jason’s Lyric, will write and produce the movie, which will be produced under the TaylorMade Productions banner by Disney’s Jungle Book and Lady and the Tramp producer Brigham Taylor. The live-action movie will be called “Inner City Symphony.”

“My mantra is that there needs to be an inner-city youth orchestra wherever there’s an NFL team,” Dickerson says. “Only by having an orchestra in the heart of the Black community and serving the people there can we hope to promote diversity in classical music.”

Charles “Chuck” Dickerson III (Omega, Omega, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni, ACME) is a conductor and composer of orchestral and choral music. In addition to his roles as executive director and conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA) and the South Side Chicago Youth Orchestra (SSCYO), he is director of music at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church in Rolling Hills Estates, California, director of the Leo Baeck Temple Chorus in Los Angeles, California, and is professor of conducting and orchestral studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Dickerson serves on the board of directors of the League of American Orchestras. Throughout his multi-faceted career, Dickerson has conducted performances of many of the greatest orchestral and choral works throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. A vocalist himself, Dickerson has prepared choruses for concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestras, including performances of the Mahler Eighth Symphony and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, conductor.

Dickerson also holds important compositional and arranging credits. His best-known work is “I Have A Dream,” a choral and orchestral setting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark speech. He has also arranged and conducted orchestral performances of the music of Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Motown, and others. In 2018, he composed “This is Why We Kneel,” scored for orchestra and male chorus, which can be heard at https://youtu.be/PuxPSekKJk8

Dickerson holds a Master of Music degree with a focus on conducting from California State University, Los Angeles, and degrees from Howard University (B.S.) and American University (J.D.). He has studied with esteemed conductors Gustav Meier, Daniel Lewis, and Kenneth Kiesler. Dickerson formerly served as music director and conductor of the Southeast Symphony (2004-2011). He has held important public and civic leadership positions in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

Dickerson is married, has two adult children, is a proud grandfather, and is an avid baseball fan.

On Dec. 9, 2020, the Zeta Omega chapter at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, initiated Rosalinda Manata into Mu Phi Epsilon. Chapter President Hope Quarles and District Director Ann Geiler initiated Rosalinda over Zoom, as Illinois College went to online learning after Thanksgiving, and Rosalinda went home to Namibe, Angola, in Africa. Rosalinda is an international studies and music major at Illinois College and is blind. She has done an amazing job navigating the campus and her studies at IC. Rosalinda is so excited about becoming a member of Mu Phi psilon and will be a great addition to the Zeta Omega chapter. Welcome to Mu Phi Epsilon, Rosalinda! —Contributed by Ann Geiler

Composer, poet, and musician Carla Noel Sedlacek (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni) has released a new recording entitled Birdsong in a Greenwood Tree on the Birdsong Records label. The CD and MP3 is available for purchase via Amazon.com or can be streamed via the Amazon app.

Please send your Applause & Encore news items with photo to: editor@muphiepsilon.org. Madeline Ross

Joellen Sweeney Lindsey Rae Johnson

Director Joellen Sweeney (Phi Lambda), Producer Madeline Ross (Phi Lambda) who played the role of President Flavia Tito, and Lindsey Rae Johnson (Phi Tau), who played Secretary of State Victoria Booth, collaborated on The Secret Diaries of Pennsylvania Avenue, a virtual opera-pastiche with music by W. A. Mozart, launched by Renegade Opera on Oct. 23, 2020. Mu Phi Epsilon members can view the production https://www. renegadeopera.org/secretdiaries. The website is free and best visited on a laptop or desktop computer.

On Oct. 24, 2020, Julio Sequeira (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni) presented his research on Music Education and the Immigrant Student at the Pacific Southwest California Music Educators Association. It was a virtual conference. He presented findings from the field with his work with students from Latin America, particularly Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador at the middle school and high school level. “Students often come with some musical training, particularly in percussion, trumpet, and trombone. Very few know how to read music. I found that students from El Salvador had a deep formal understanding of written music notation. I also found that many of the students that can play would not join the music program because they either were focusing on learning English and/or working a full-time job after school. Only a handful of students at the high school level continued on to join one of the performing ensembles,” Sequiera says.

Congratulations to the Mu Gamma chapter at the University of Nebraska, which was reactivated on Dec. 27, 2020. Three new members, Jacob Denton and Taylor Sullivan, were virtually initiated in the Fraternity along with Alfanzo Meza, not pictured. Performing the initiation were members from the Lincoln Alumni chapter and Beta Pi. Two Mu Gamma initiates, Wanda Mandigo and Jane Sonneland, helped with the ceremony.

This photo was taken following the initiation ceremony. Top row (left to right): Wanda Mandigo, Emma Bauerle (Mu Gamma chapter advisor), Liana Sandin (District Director); 2nd row (left to right): Rachel Tvrdy (Beta Pi), Alisa Belflower (Mu Gamma faculty advisor), Kristina Hanson; 3rd row (left to right): Ruth Stephenson, Jean Henderson, Talea Blocha; 4th row (left to right): Jane Sonneland, Jacob Denton, Taylor Sullivan.

On Oct. 22, 2020, Ashley Bouras (Phi Tau, Dallas Alumni) was named a Richardson ISD Super Teacher. The deputy superintendent, Tabitha Branum, came to her virtual staff meeting and presented Ashley with the annual award, much to her surprise! Congratulations Ashley! Aaron Larget-Caplan (Beta, Boston Alumni) recently released a new recording, Nights Transfigured, and an anthology by the same name, published by the American Composers Alliance (ACA). The CD is his second release as part of his New Lullaby Project, comprised of 21st century compositions for guitar. The anthology is the first of a multi-volume endeavor that explores more than 60 compositions written for the New Lullaby Project since 2006. Says Larget-Caplan, “These compositions assert that the sonic boundaries of the guitar are only limited by the composer’s imagination and physical abilities of the player. Whether a student, amateur, or professional there is a lullaby for you.” Recordings of the works within the anthology are featured on his 2010 New Lullaby CD and the just-released album, Nights Transfigured. A third album and second volume of scores will be issued in early 2021. For more information, visit alcguitar.bandcamp.com.

Mu Phi Epsilon is proud to announce the installation of the Eta Zeta Collegiate Chapter at the University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia November 19, 2020 Send congratulations to: Attn: Simon Miller, Mu Phi Epsilon University of North Georgia SJMILL8540@ung.edu or Dr. Benjamin Schoening Benjamin.Schoening@ung.edu

ANN GIBBENS DAVIS, PHI LAMBDA, WASHINTON D.C. ALUMNI DAVISMUSEC@COMCAST.NET ANN GEILER, PHI THETA, ST. LOUIS ALUMNI STLALUMNIMPE@GMAIL.COM

Many thanks to Ann Gibbens Davis, who has tirelessly compiled the Final Notes since the Summer 2015 issue of The Triangle. We are indebted to you for your service. Please welcome Ann Geiler as the new Final Notes contributor. Ann is currently District Director C1 and the president of the St. Louis Alumni chapter.

Nancy Belle (Philbin) Adsit Gamma, February 17, 1952 Died November 24, 2020

Pianist, educator. Nancy enjoyed a lifelong passion for piano performance and teaching around the world. She began studying piano with Mrs. Breakey of Ann Arbor and after high school, she went on to receive a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Music. Nancy taught at Grand Forks School of music in North Dakota and pursued advanced studios at The Juilliard School in New York. In 1959, she served with the Army Special Services Section (entertainment). Nancy continued studying piano with Professor Randolph Hokanson at the University of Washington and was a member of the Washington State Music Teachers Association. Nancy’s student, Charlie Albright, renowned classical pianist, composer, and improviser, began formal piano training with Nancy when he was seven and continued through high school.

Mu Nu, April 25, 1947 San Jose Alumni Died June 28, 2020

Vocalist. Helen sang in Cortland United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Mu Epsilon, November 10, 1946 Sedona, AZ Died February 1, 2020

Pianist and vocalist. Eva was an active member of Mu Phi Epsilon and was National Past Alumni Advisor from 1970-1977.

Phi Tau, November 21, 1948 Died June 30, 2020

Organist, pianist, educator. Irene graduated from the University of North Texas with degrees in organ and music education. She was a pianist, an organist, and sang in church choirs throughout her life. Irene was also a member of the Arlington Master Chorale. She was a member of the Fort Worth Symphony League and a retired teacher of 23 years.

Phi Zeta, May 31, 1963 Died March 6, 2020

Educator, oboist. Judith won a music scholarship to Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. She joined the Sioux City Symphonic Orchestra. In 1962, she joined the Grandview Park Sioux City Municipal Band She was Vice President of her Mu Phi Epsilon chapter. She graduated from Morningside College with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and was voted the Most Outstanding Senior of the Year in Mu Phi Epsilon. Judith taught music in Lake View with the Auburn School System, and in Wall Lake, Iowa. She taught music privately in California and became vice president of Lowrey Organ Center, Inc. In 1988, she was recognized as the Teacher of the Year and was honored seven separate years with the Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher award.

Phi Pi, January 12, 1951 Wichita Kansas Alumni Died October 20, 2020

Violinist, vocalist. Julia was a violinist and served as president of Wichita State University Music Associates for one year following her tenure on the organization’s Board of Directors. She taught music at Haysville and Wichita State University. She enjoyed playing violin, opera, and sang in her church choir for most of her life. She served as treasurer for Mu Phi Epsilon for many years.

Mu Mu, May 20, 1951 Died July 13, 2020

Vocalist, educator. Marian graduated from Kansas State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. A lifelong music educator, she taught in Phillipsburg and Colby, Kansas, and Oklahoma City Public Schools for over 20 years. She conducted in-service

workshops to teachers and visited elementary school classrooms as a vocal music consultant. Kay was a member and leader of many music organizations including Mu Phi Epsilon, the McDowell Music Club, and the Ladies Music Club. She was a member of All Souls’ Episcopal Church choir and a singer in Canterbury Choral Society and B’nai Israel Temple for many years.

Epsilon, June 9, 1988 Toledo Alumni Died August 18, 2020

Pianist, educator. Merrie “Lib” served in the United States Army as a dietician during WW II. She studied piano since childhood and taught lessons privately beginning in the 1960s. She earned a second bachelor’s degree in music from Mary Manse College in Toledo and continued teaching for the next 46 years. She went back to school in 1992 and pursued a master’s degree in music performamce from the University of Toledo. She received that degree in 1994 at age 72. She was a member of various music organizations for which she held offices, including the Ohio Music Teacher’s Association, the Euterpean Club of Toledo, as well as Mu Phi Epsilon.

Alpha Sigma, May 1, 1951 Died September 22, 2020

Vocalist, educator. Jeannette graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1949 with a B.A. in education. She studied voice at Baylor University and Lipscomb University before earning an M.A. in education from ACU in 1987. She did graduate work in music at Southern Methodist University and The Juilliard School. Jeannette served as a music coordinator for the elementary division and taught second grade at Wylie Elementary School in Abilene; she also taught music for second graders in the Ozona (Texas) ISD. She taught kindergarten music at Otter Creek Christian Schools in Nashville, Tennessee. For 24 years, Jeannette taught voice to approximately 2,000 students in music and theatre. She retired in 1992 as assistant professor emerita of voice yet continued to teach voice lessons. Her students went on to become Broadway stars, studio musicians, recording artists, music teachers and vocal coaches. Among them was Grammy Award winner Amy Grant. The Jeannette and Harold Lipford Music/Theatre Scholarship Endowment was established at ACU in 1994. In 2000, Sing Song established the Lipford Award in her name. Jeannette was honored at ACU’s 2020 May Commencement with the annual Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award. Even in her late 80s and age 90, she still performed on stage in musicals.

Beta Kappa, May 17, 1969 Died June 10, 2020

Vocal soloist, choir director and leader, pianist, music educator. Charlotte graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Music degree and from University of Texas San Antonio with a Masters of Arts degree. For 30 years, she taught in the San Antonio ISD. She devoted over 35 years to the music program at Lackland Air Force Base as a soloist, pianist, music leader, and choir director. Charlotte was the soloist and soprano leader for Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church for four years. For over 10 years, she was a singer in the Chant d’ Amour performing at many venues in San Antonio. For the last several years, she was the pianist at the Marcelina Baptist Church and then a choir director at Northview Baptist Church in Floresville, Texas.

Kappa, November 13, 1946 Indianapolis Alumni Died June 14, 2020

Pianist, vocalist, choral conductor. Elise was an accomplished pianist and a mezzo soprano. She attended Butler University where she studied music education, then transferred to the University of Michigan, on a full scholarship where she completed her B.A. in music education. She began her teaching career in choral music at the Tech High School and the Park Tudor School in Indianapolis. She also taught music education, voice performance, choirs and singing groups at Indiana Central College, now the University of Indianapolis. She and her husband Ken conducted European choral music education trips with various students. In 1972, she formed the Indianapolis Chorale Arts, and in her capacity as director, she worked with renowned composers Aaron Copland and Norman Luboff. In 2006 Elise was awarded the Distinguished Alumna Award in recognition of her work as founder and director of the Indianapolis Chorale Arts.