St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church sponsors what is called Red Door Arts. According to its brochure, “The purpose of the group is to encourage creativity and arts appreciation in parishioners and friends through art workshops, lectures and performances, through an annual creativity weekend and through other special events throughout the year.”

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church These are a few shots of the inside of the church. The cozy, evening glow emitted through the windows was so relaxing.

It was a wonderful program lasting only one hour. The voices were clear and powerful. St. Andrews sanctuary is small but I was so impressed with the ability of these artists to sing without a microphone. They each came in from the back of the building singing a portion of Walk Together Children. The baritone was robust and full-bodied. The tenor engaged the audience with his fine musical qualities and enunciation of each word. The melodious soprano was hypnotizing exhibting her ability to reach upper ranges.

I enjoy exploring different types of music and societal differences. I feel it is important to learn about others so that we may understand each other better and perhaps someday have peace. It was refreshing to sit and drink from the fountain of culture.

The concert was held April 7th, at 6:30 p.m. A series of African- American Spirituals were performed by these talented musicians.

Terrance Brown is a baritone. Dr. Brown is a graduate of Samford University and Louisiana State University. He has performed in numerous operas portraying various characters. He has traveled extensively. Dr. Brown is Director of Vocal Studies at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama.

Kevin Thomas, tenor completed his music degree at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He has performed in countless opera and theatre presentations. He is a professional chorister at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham.

Tiffany Bostic-Brown, soprano has traveled through the USA and Europe. She is known as a concert artist, recitalist and operatic artist. She frequently performs in operas undertaking numerous characters. Dr. Bostic-Brown serves on the faculty at the University of Alabama in Florence, Alabama.

Jason Turner was the pianist. The Rev. Dollie Howell Pankey was the narrator.

To accompany each song a narrative was read . These narratives were a part of the Slave Narrative Collection. These are stories written in the 1930’s by the WPA as they were dictated to the scribe by people who had been slaves. There are over 2,000 interviews from former slaves on record. Each one allows the former slave to tell in their own words what life was like in bondage.

Jason Turner is presently the organist for St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He is an experienced musician who has served as Choirmaster and Organist for several churches. He is presently Director of Independent Presbyterian Church Day School in Birmingham,Alabama a highly respected educational facility in the city. He holds degrees in education and an associate degree in nursing.

Rev. Howell-Pankey is a musical artist, teacher, pastor and songwriter. Her music ministry career spans over 35 years. She has served in several churches as a spiritual leader. She presently pastors St. James CME in Jasper Alabama

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