Flyer courtesy of Omicron gamma chapter of Phi
Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.
The Omicron Gamma chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity performed on Florida A&M University’s campus at the Black Arts Matter concert Thursday. The event was held at the Foster-Tanner Recital Hall.
The Omicron Gamma chapter is known for being the only fraternity on FAMU’s campus that is solely dedicated to the advancement of music since its being founded on April 23, 1995.
The show honored various genres of music that were greatly influenced by African-Americans who paved the way for young artists.
Charles “Cwes” Ford III, a member of Omicron Gamma and a graduating music industry student from Atlanta, Ga., explained the purpose of the event.
“Our goal was to show that black arts do matter,” he said. “All of the songs were written by African American people, arranged by African American people and we’re African American people as well, so we felt like our capabilities were best shown here at FAMU.”
Ford III also explained how media- related controversy surrounding black lives influenced the showcase.
“It’s more of what’s happening right now, there are a lot of police shootings, and a lot of turmoil and it’s really focused on race. We’re trying to let everyone know or be aware of the circumstances.”
Audience members enjoyed tributes to African-American arts with renditions of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”, Negro Spirituals such as “Wade in the Water” and the crowd favorite Luther Vandross’ “A House is not a Home” were all performed by FAMU students.
Black Arts Matter’s concert attracted artists across all majors.
Brittany Johnson, a fourth-year healthcare management student and sketch artist from Miami, Fla., expressed the importance of witnessing her favorite performance of the night.
“The Luther Vandross part was my favorite. It was really nice and was very important. They’re killing us off every day. It is imperative that little kids hear us do something greater than what we can do outside our neighborhood,” Johnson said.
Fourth-year FAMU music education student and trumpet player for Omicron Gamma, Leroy Lubin from Pompano Beach, Fla., enjoyed how his fraternity was able to deliver a memorable message to their audience.
“Music is the only thing that can affect our mind, body, and spirit without your permission. Music is a message and we all have a message. We learn how to do what we do on our instruments and with our voices to perfect our craft so that we could portray that message effectively,” Lubin said.
For more information on FAMU’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha and upcoming performances, visit http://ogsinfonia.wix.com/og20.