About the Program
Prioritizing Black and indigenous (BIPOC) participation, the mission of the Ujima Singers is to bring musical and cultural collectivity to the Black community here in Western Mass! Director Evelyn Harris specializes in music as activism, and aims to create a space for intergenerational education through song. Repertoire includes a variety of Negro Spirituals, blues music, and R&B.
In our sacred circle, Black and Indigenous community members are empowered, and our voices join in songs of justice and resilience. Ujima Singers have a unique responsibility; to learn Black American music and share it so that our BIPoC siblings throughout the region might be represented, educated, and empowered.
Most Ujima Singers are not performers. Most of us do not identify as "musicians." Yet we make music. Yes, we do! And when we share it, we perform. We perform to share. Ujima is a Swahili word that means "collective work and responsibility." Through confidence, love, and feeling, we can join in ujima and share our soul.
The first rehearsal of each semester is free and open to anyone who is interested in joining the group.
Following the first rehearsal of each semester (Sep. 23rd, 2024 or Feb. 3rd, 2025) an application is required to become an official member.
In addition to weekly rehearsals, group members are expected to commit to performing at a number of public performances as an expression of the group's activism and community-outreach mission.
A current group member described the experience an "amazing space to sing and connect. It is actually life-changing!"
NCMC is proud to offer several tuition options for participants.
• Those with the financial means will be asked to pay $200 per season.
• Those with limited financial means can choose to pay any amount between $120-200 per season, without applying for financial aid.
• Those who apply for financial aid and qualify can participate in this program at no cost.
NCMC's Ujima Singers program is supported in part by an Alfred Nash Patterson Grant from Choral Arts New England
Faculty
Evelyn Harris
