Lonnie Norwood, Gospel Music
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
7:30pm EST/6:30pm CST
Register here for the series!
You will receive your exclusive Zoom link for each session in your confirmation. You will also receive optional preparation materials, including music and texts to add depth to your participation and experience. No singing experience required!
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Lonnie Norwood grew up with an unquenchable passion for music and community service. He knew early on that both would be integral parts of his life’s work. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Luther College where he studied under world renowned conductor, Weston Noble. He went on to earn a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Voice from The Florida State University.
Upon completion of his education, Lonnie taught K-12 music in Leon County (Tallahassee) and Chicago area schools, both public and private. He has enjoyed numerous career highlights working as a versatile singer and arranger alongside such artists as Lizz Wright, Nona Hendryx, Nadine McKinnor, Ricky Dillard, Sweet Honey In The Rock, and Chicago’s Youth In Unity.
Lonnie joined the artistic staff at Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) as a conductor in 2012 and opened the vivacious Englewood Neighborhood Choir (2013).
He is active as a choral clinician, helping educators and ensembles understand the historical significance, vocal technique, and the social justice aspects of gospel music and African American spirituals.
Recent work has included workshops with ensembles at the University of Chicago, teaching & singing with Village Harmony throughout various provinces of South Africa, musical exchanges in Nassau, The Bahamas with members of the Bahamas National Youth Choir and Bahamian musicians, BFli Young Artists Camp at ETA Theater Chicago, and with SongRoots (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) teaching gospel and spirituals.
He has also begun authoring articles along these lines of interests, including a recent work for the American Choral Directors Association’s Choral Journal (October 2018).
Lonnie led a brilliant weekend workshop in August—Black Gospel Essentials—as part of Village Harmony’s virtual summer programming.
Read more about Lonnie and his work here.
VIDEO LINKS
Check out Lonnie’s YouTube channel here.
Watch the virtual choir created by participants after this session!