● Chorus Abilene presents its combined Fall Concert on October 30, 2021 @ 7pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
● Abilene High School assistant choir conductor, Remel Derrick, will be the featured composer as the youth and adults combine to sing his setting of traditional spiritual text “Hold On Just a Little While Longer.”
● In person and livestream tickets may be purchased at www.ChorusAbilene.org
Chorus Abilene will open their 2021-22 season with their October 30th concert at 7pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church. This will be a combined concert with four choirs performing: Children’s Chorus, Youth Chorale, Classical Chorus of Abilene, and the organization’s newest pop-style a cappella ensemble, BackBeat. Tickets for live-streamed/in person attendance are available at
www.ChorusAbilene.org and at the door.
The concert will feature a setting of the traditional spiritual text “Hold On Just a Little While Longer,” by local composer, conductor, and church musician, Remel M. Derrick (b.1981). Mr. Derrick, an ACU alum and AHS assistant choir conductor, is published by Walton Music, and this particular piece was featured in a reading session at the Texas Choral Directors Association. “Hold On Just a Little While Longer” is designated as an Editor’s Choice by JW Pepper Music, who wrote:
Hold on just a little while longer... ev'rything will be all right." The traditional spiritual text encourages us to keep going, no matter how difficult the struggle may be. This original musical setting incorporates both historical and modern influences that feel like they've been paired with these words forever. This dynamic a cappella setting is riveting!
Chorus Abilene is thrilled to present such a special and timely work by this local African-American composer to their audience, along with other fantastic choral literature!
Chorus Abilene is a non-profit choral organization which is currently made up of four choirs with singers ranging in age from kindergarten students to senior citizens, which perform a variety of genres. Audience and choir membership have expanded greatly in the past year, highlighting the desire for artistic outlets in Abilene and the need for community. For more information about the organization or to audition for one of their choirs, visit www.ChorusAbilene.org.
