WS Chronicle

The Singing Rams of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) kicked off the Holiday Season in style last weekend when the Department of Music hosted its annual holiday concert on Sunday evening, Dec. 3.

Current students, faculty, staff and alumni filled the bottom half of the K.R. Williams Auditorium to lend an ear to the soulful sounds of Schola Cantorum, the famous Burke Singers, Singing Divas, and of course, the Winston-Salem State University Choir. Several alumni also returned to campus to show their singing talents, including featured soloist Ja’Kenya Gartrell.

Gartrell, a native of New Jersery, is a 2013 graduate of WSSU. During her time spent at “Ol State U,” Gartrell was a featured soloist in the WSSU Choir and was chosen as one of the Burke Singers. Additionally, Gartrell was selected to represent WSSU in the 105 HBCU Voices of History Concert Choir.

Since graduating, Gartrell has used her degree and love of music to educate the next generation. She currently teaches music at Global Scholars Academy.

At a place in time where it feels like the entire country is in turmoil, the Department of Music decided to adopt the theme “Let There be Peace on Earth.” Throughout the concert, performers sang traditional holiday songs and Christian spirituals that centered around serenity when we need it most.