Bent, But Not Broken: The Inaugural Choral Conference of Delaware

The story of Bent, But Not Broken begins with the planning of our 2021 Fall Concert. While thinking about the repertoire, Our Director, Arreon Harley-Emerson had the brilliant idea of inviting his good friend, Jason Max Ferdinand to be part of the concert. Of course, Dr. Ferdinand accepted the invitation and once word got out, the excitement began to build. This got Mr. Harley-Emerson thinking…who else would be available to take part in the concert? He thought of his esteemed colleagues Marques Garrett, Vinroy Brown, Jr., Eugene Rogers and Everett McCorvey. He envisioned Felicia Barber, Eileen Guenther and leading lady conductors Maria Ellis and Alysia Lee. Before he could gather all his racing thoughts on paper, Bent, But Not Broken was born!

From concerts to interest sessions, to masterclasses and keynotes, this inaugural conference is set to change the course of how people view and understand the choral works of Black composers. Amongst the lineup, we have Brandon Waddles conducting The Immersion Gospel Choir, Maria Ellis and Alysia Lee leading the Honor Choir, Reading Sessions by J.W. Pepper and Sheet Music Plus, Interest Sessions led by Robyn Hilger of ACDA and Catherine Dehoney of Chorus America and so much more!

With Bent, But Not Broken, we hope to champion the works of Black and Brown musicians and scholars deeper into the teachings of today’s youth. It is vital for children to see themselves represented. It gives them the opportunity to overcome challenges, both within the rehearsal room and outside of the rehearsal room, with the belief that they are in charge of their choral destinies. For our choral colleagues, we hope to immerse them deeper into Black choral music traditions. We hope to feed the souls of our Black colleagues by amplifying the works they’ve been practicing and performing since childhood.  

Please join us for the very first choral conference hosted in the First State. Have your mind enveloped with the histories and music of our ancestors and the love we each share for all things choral.

Register for Bent, But Not Broken online today at https://web.cvent.com/event/7fd3018f-a6a7-4c67-824e-4ef03c640207/summary. 

If you are planning to attend Bent, But Not Broken  and need lodging, please click this link after registration https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1634647279323&key=GRP&app=resvlink.