History

Black Voices, a gospel choral ensemble, was conceived and established by engineering student (Rev.) Reginald C. Dance (class of 1975). A Richmond native and newly married student, Reginald came to UVA in the fall of 1971 and entered UVA’s engineering program. He desired not only to pursue his educational aspirations but also to grow socially in his new academic environment

In order to nurture his love of music and use his talented tenor voice, Reginald joined an existing University choral ensemble- the all male UVA Glee Club. Whereas his participation was somewhat satisfying, he began to realize that black students were accustomed to or needed to sustain their spiritual growth on this predominately white campus. Reginald began to consider what he could do to provide an outlet that would keep black students in touch with their religious upbringing and ongoing spiritual growth.

As Reginald was adjusting to student life, he also sought spiritual enrichment at a local church in Charlottesville called Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, located on 12th St & Rosser Avenue. It’s pastor, then and now, is Rev. C.H. Brown. Rev. Brown was the leader of a small yet strong Pentecostal church environment. His sermons often evoked a great deal of emotion and his style of preaching (and that of his sons also called into the ministry) encouraged many students, like Reginald, to a free, uninhibited expression of praise, accustomed to in more traditional Baptist backgrounds.

As Reginald’s appreciation of the Brown family grew, he established a friendship with one of the sons of the church family, Nehemiah Brown, who sang and played the keyboard. Never formally taught, he played with such fervor that it greatly impacted the congregation’s involvement in each service. Recognizing the benefit of Nehemiah’s talents, Reginald began to brainstorm his plan of creating a small choir that would feed the spiritual and social needs of the University’s black students.

Nehemiah arranged and directed the music of Holy Temple’s musical group, The Dimensions of Gospel. They sang an eclectic mix of songs from well know black gospel singers and composers like Edwin Hawkins, Andre’ Crouch, James Cleveland, Myrna Summers, Rance Allen, and many more. The Dimensions’ membership was primarily the Brown family (brothers, sisters, nieces): Nehemiah, arranger and director; Ralph, spiritual advisor and vocalist; Martha, Mary, Joe, Jeneatha (niece), vocalists; and John with percussion. There were church members, (Hilary Cooper, Richard Wood, to name a few) who also lifted their voices to compliment this vocal group. As some black students became impressed with this group (Reginald included), Dimensions’ membership started including those students who expressed interest to join.

Reginald’s participation in the Dimensions of Gospel motivated him even more to establish something comparable on the grounds of the University. In September, 1972, Reginald began his 2nd year in the engineering program. He and Nehemiah resumed discussion of his plans to establish this UVA choir and eventually agreed upon a partnership in this venture. Reginald, as founder, assumed the role of Black Voices first president; Nehemiah, as co-founder, and first choral arranger and director. During this start-up period, membership was composed of both black students from the university and non-students from Holy Temple. During the first couple of years, membership grew to approximately 35. Needless to say, Reginald’s concept of a “small choir” had changed. Having gotten his car in the summer of ’72, Reginald was initially able to transport those students from dorms to the choir rehearsals which were held at Holy Temple. As the choir grew in size, it became necessary that Reginald obtain permission from UVA’s Music Dept. to use one of its classrooms in Old Cabell as a fixed rehearsal site. (How difficult this was to do, only Reginald can say).

Many of the black students who joined had either sung a little at their respective churches or had never had the experience of exercising their vocal talents to any serious extent. We discovered that as varied as our backgrounds were, educationally/culturally/spiritually, the gospel message was easily shared by the member. Thanks to Reginald’s sense of humor and motivation; Nehemiah’s gift to target lead vocals, and assign vocal parts, Black Voices’ rehearsals and subsequent performances reflected the joy and sense of accomplishment that was felt by all participating. Each rehearsal began with prayer to prepare our hearts for the sometimes wearisome efforts ahead to perfect a particular musical arrangement and to remind us of our purpose. With the musical accompaniment from Nehemiah on the piano, John B. on the drums, (sometimes) a member on the tambourine, an occasional bass guitarist, organist, saxophonist, Black Voices anchored such a rich, free, and joyous musical expression that attendance of rehearsals demanded dedication and considerable sacrifice of time. Learning each new arrangement required discipline, patience, and a degree of compromise, each members efforts resulted in a glorious musical presentation. Mistakes and all, we learned to sing glorious praises!

During the first few years of Black Voices’ emergence, our apparel ranged from the limited uniformity in dress to coordinated white shirts/blouses and black pants/long skirts. There was even a phase when we commissioned the talents of seamstresses within the group to make robe-like attire for each member given our funds could not yet support the purchase of real choir robes. For the most part, each member paid for the materials necessary to make this come to pass.

We were blessed with engagements at the College of William and Mary, ODU, VCU- just to name a few of the academic institutions that embraced us. We often made our way to hometown churches in Virginia of members visiting areas such as Newport News, Franklin, Norfolk, Richmond, Portsmouth, Northern Virginia, etc. Our out-of-town engagements often lasted longer than we would anticipate (especially when the Holy Spirit had His way in the services) such than our return to UVA occurred during the wee hours of the morning or night. Yes, complaints would register from members now and then. After all, we were at the University for educational purposes first and foremost. But, being as far away from home as most of us felt we were, Black Voices’ experiences were our sense of family and we reminded ourselves that the choir was our link to the University community and all others who needed to hear the truth of the Gospel in song. Admittedly, Black Voices’ helped many of us to mature spiritually in a way that was so enjoyable.

Reginald functioned in the office of president until his graduation in 1975. In January, 1975, Nehemiah left the area and the position of Director of Music was assumed by Black Voices’ member, Carolyn Hilton (Class of 76/77), a fine musician and arranger by her own merits. She was assisted by Debra Smith and Thelma Jones during her time in office. In September, 1975, Anthony Gould (Class of 76) was elected president. Membership of Black Voices had grown to about 40 members. Carolyn, having graduated with her masters in 77, was soon replaced by the groups’ original co-founder and first musical director, Nehemiah Brown, who had returned to the Charlottesville area for a while. A succession of officers have respectfully carried out the mission of Black Voices over the years since then. And the present existence of the choir as it stands today is evidence that strong leadership and commitment have sustained what has become a permanent part of UVA’s tradition.

By the late 70’s, Black Voices was continuing to enjoy its popularity with the University community and surrounding areas. Attendance at scheduled performances were steadily increasing. Black Voices had become a choral ensemble of versatile style, with a repertoire consisting of spirituals, traditional hymns, and contemporary gospel. Who could have imagined that a seed planted in one student’s heart in 1971 could break new ground at Mr. Jefferson’s University and sustain the test of time? How could it have been predicted that the cultural experience for black and white students at UVA would be so greatly enriched 18 years later by that same seed and vision? One can only surmise that Black Voices needed to be here. Initial obstacles, though annoying and frustrating, were only temporary. Problems, big or small, arose and were dealt with. But through it all, it appeared that Reginald’s plan was God’s plan and no obstacle was ever strong enough to hamper its good.

February 23, 1990 Angelee Godbold (c/o ’76)-original BV member