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<a class="twitter-moment" href="https://twitter.com/i/moments/1017889103906566145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">World Choir Games Winners: Oakwood University Aeolians</a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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The Aeolians of Oakwood University was originally organized in 1946 by the late Dr. Eva B. Dykes. Since its inception, the choir has traveled widely, touching the hearts of both young and old with their inspirational singing. Subsequent conductors include: Mrs. Joni Pierre-Louis, Mr. Harold Anthony, Dr. Jon Robertson, Dr. Alma M. Blackmon, Dr. John Dennison, Dr. Ricky Little (a former Aeolian), Dr. Eurydice Osterman, Michele Cleveland, Lloyd Mallory, Dr. Julie Moore, Norman Crarey, Dr. Wayne Bucknor (a former Aeolian) and presently, Jason Max Ferdinand also a former Aeolian.

Directors have made considerable contributions over the years. Under the direction of Dr. John Dennison, the Aeolians performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, receiving flattering reviews. Under the direction of Dr. Alma M. Blackmon which began in 1973, the group was propelled into national and international prominence with the performance of over 200 concerts in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Poland, Romania, and Great Britain. Under the current director, the group tours extensively, and has extended their international prominence to Trinidad & Tobago, Russia, and Jamaica.

Aeolian performances present a repertoire of choral music which ranges from the Baroque era to the twenty-first century. They have become an authoritative exponent of Negro spirituals and Work songs which express the yearnings of their forefathers to be free.

Under the God-inspired direction of Jason Max Ferdinand, the choir has placed 1st two years in a row (2010 & 2011) in the iSing HBCU Challenge hosted by Reid Temple AME Church in Lanham, Maryland, and being named in 2014 as the four-peat national HBCU choral champions. They have also been presented with the keys to the City of Huntsville with Dec. 3rd & Dec. 5th being days named in their honor.

aeolians-winA stellar 2011 – 2012 season saw the Aeolians visiting Moscow, Russia as part of the Russia-US Bilateral Presidential Commission on development of cooperation between Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama and competed at the 7th World Choir Games held in

Cincinnati, USA, where they earned gold medals in all three categories of entrance and the overall championship for the Spiritual category.

In Oct 2015, the Aeolians made their debut at Carnegie Hall performing with the Altino Bros, the Altino Brothers Concert Chorale, and the Beyond Boundaries Symphony Orchestra in the Altino Bros’ “Beyond Boundaries” Concert Series.  Later that month, the Aeolians accompanied the world acclaimed soprano, Kathleen Battle at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center in her, “Underground Railroad: A spiritual Journey” Concert Series.

Since January 2013, the Aeolians have teamed up with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to present an annual Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) tribute at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Birmingham, Alabama. This collaboration has seen masterpieces performed from the symphonic choral literature to include Brahms, Mozart, Schoenburg, Dvorak, Hailstork & Dett just to name a few. In 2016, it featured Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” with guest classical pianist, Nervo Altino from the Altino Bros. This choir has been truly blessed and for this they are thankful.

In everything that the Aeolians do today, service is first.  Whether it be sharing in worship during rehearsal, or ministering at church; whether it be competing in a world class competition or embracing little children on the mission field, the Aeolians are there to answer the call and to, “Do the will of my Father who sent me!”  Many lives have been touched all over the world by what this choir has done for the last 70 yrs.  To God be the Glory!!!

play-harpAs we celebrate this Platinum Jubilee, the Music Department will have events leading up to the Aeolians’ penultimate celebration at 2017 Annual Homecoming Concert.  You will not want to miss the Event of Events.  Make plans now to be there!

We want to give you the opportunity to be a part of the celebration.  Our commemorative booklet will chronicle the years, the directors, and the different eras.  We know that you would like to send your congratulatory message to Aeolians, to your director, and to your era.   We would love to see your message in this Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Booklet.  Won’t you be a part of history and let us celebrate together?  You can do so by filling out and returning an Ad Form and sending in your message.  We look forward to receiving it.  Many of you follow us on social media.  Thank you for supporting us on social media.  You will also be able to access an electronic version of the Ad Form there.

We thank you all for your continued support.  Your prayers mean a lot to us.  Continue to pray that we remain humble and allow the Lord to use us in His service.

Contact Us

Chair: Jason Ferdinand, D.M.A.
Office: (256) 726-7277
Email: jmferdinand@oakwood.edu

Phone: (256) 726-7278
Fax: (256) 726-7481

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