Central State Chorus: celebrations abound

How to go

What: Central State University Chorus

Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Cost: Free, but tickets are required for admission.

More info: 937-328-3874 or www.clarkstate.edu/about-clark-state/performing-arts-center

There will be numerous reasons to celebrate when the Central State University Chorus performs at the Clark State Performing Arts Center on Friday.

The concert will recognize Black History Month in song, and shows the emerging partnership between the two area higher-education institutions.

Lastly, you can’t beat the admission price — free. Tickets are required, though, for the 8 p.m. show, part of Clark State’s Community Arts Series, and are available at the Performing Arts Center box office.

Central State’s chorus is nationally recognized, having earned a Grammy Award nomination and well-traveled. This past year it performed on a 32-day tour of Spain and the Czech Republic, and at a Congressional Black Caucus event in Washington, D.C., in October.

And 2015 also began with an honor, performing at Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s swearing in ceremony.

Chorus director and assistant professor of music Jeremy Winston said to expect a mix of traditional choir music, including music from Hayden, an opera piece, gospel and acapela spirituals, and a collaboration with a brass ensemble.

Songs will include “Shout for Joy” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which Winston said is one of the chorus’ signature songs.

“It will really run the gamut,” Winston said. “Black History Month is more than just a specific song. It’s a celebration — of where we’ve come and where we’re going, of Central State and this partnership with Clark State.”

This is the second consecutive year the choir has performed here and represents the positive relationship between area colleges, Winston said. “This is a natural partnership. The Kuss Auditorium is one of the premiere concert halls in the area and we have one of the top choruses. It’s a partnership made in heaven.”