Composers Of Color Highlighted In Concert At McLean's Potomac School

MCLEAN, VA — Upper school students at The Potomac School in McLean recently organized a concert entitled “Celebrating Composers of Color,” with guest conductor Dr. Steven Cunningham of Hampton University along with resident musician and composer.Greg Holloway.

“Music is an essential part of a well-rounded education at Potomac, and we encourage parents to continue to champion the cause of keeping music alive in all educational institutions,” said Michael DiCuirci, Potomac band director.

During the concert, the Intermediate School concert band, Upper School concert band, and Upper School jazz band each performed music by composer of color.

“The decision to focus on music written by composers of color is a deliberate one,” DiCuirci said. “It's an opportunity for our students to explore and perform pieces they might not encounter in a traditional repertoire. This exposure broadens their musical horizons, deepens their appreciation for different cultures, and enhances their understanding of the world. For the composers, having their music performed is an acknowledgment of their contributions to the arts and an opportunity to inspire future generations of musicians.”

As a composer/arranger and trumpeter, Cunningham has performed with the Brass Band at Battle Creek, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, Josh Groban, El DeBarge, Lagniappe Brass Quartet, and others. He's also performed at Carnegie Hall, DAR Constitution Hall, the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, Toronto Jazz Festival, the Tower Theater, Richmond Jazz Festival, and others. A recently appointed assistant professor of music education at Hampton University, Cunningham teaches a variety of courses, including applied trumpet.

A native of Washington, D.C., Holloway has peformed as a drummer and percussionist for the Air Force Field Bands. As a civilian, he alsoperformed with Hank Jones, FredaPayne, Carl Fontanna, Rob McConnell, Chuck Israel, Jim Pugh, Gene Bertoncini,Maguire Sisters, Blackstone the Magician, Sheri Lewis, Bruce Conti, Rich Little, ArethaFranklin, and others. In addition to being the staff drummer/percussionist for Metro Stage, he works with Potomac’s percussion students.

“Our goal was to spotlight the incredible contributions of composers from diverse backgrounds, creating an enriching and inclusive musical experience for all,” said Natalia Vilela, senior and co-organizer of the concert. "Some of the composers featured were Duke Ellington (Come Sunday), Yukiko Nishimura (Cherry Tree), Omar Thomas (Caribana Afterparty), and Ayatey Shabazz (Red Tails).