York College to host 'Songs Borne of the African Diaspora' on Nov. 8

Philadelphia musician and educator J. Donald Dumpson will lead an exploration into the complex issues surrounding the performance of music of the Black American Experience at York College's DeMeester Recital Hall, Wolf Hall, on Nov. 8.  He will demonstrate the unique sound spectrum and vocal styles of this music through his work with the York College Chorale and Chamber Singers. "Songs Borne of the African Diaspora: African-American Spirituals from the Slave Ship to the Concert Stage" begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public free of charge.

Dumpson has devoted his life to arts ministry, education and performance. He has more than 40 years of experience as a conductor/keyboardist, music minister, and events producer. He is president and CEO of Diverse Arts Solutions, a division of J. Donald Dumpson Productions, LLC, as well as the founding director of the Westminster Choir College Jubilee Singers and the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale. Dumpson obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree in music education, all from Temple University.