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Vol. 23, Issue 19
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Continued on Page 4
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FOTOSHOOT AFRAM NEWS EDITION
FEATURE
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HOUSTON EBONY OPERA GUILD
Spotlight
Jackie Adams Dress melodramatically Ashlee Gary Make a statement with Eva-Lauren Designs
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F o t o S h o o t M a g a z i n e . co m
FOTOSHOOT MAGAZINE - AFRAM NEWS EDITION MAY 2018 • VOLUME 1 ISSUE 04
ON THE COVER Cover Photo By: Veronica Owens • Model: Erin Sweed Jewelry By: Eva-Lauren Designs • Clothing By: Melodrama Boutique
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Houston’s Ebony Voice By Rae-Shell D. Fletcher • Photos by D. Forbes Thomas
Houston’s collective sound of great singers has a best-kept secret. A mecca for the seasoned songstress, the capital for a gifted soloist, and the oracle for the magnetism of the African American voice, The Houston Ebony Opera Guild has pledged its purpose to bring light to opera, negro spirituals, and classical music genres. Founded by the late Dr. Robert A. Henry, the HEOG is nationally known for its roster of prodigious singers. In 1992 the organization acquired its taxexempt status and brought “Porgy and Bess” to the stage for its first production. I had the pleasure of speaking with a few of the HEOG’s key people and to say the least; I was intrigued by their influence and dedicated involvement. Choral Director, Dr. Jan Taylor, not only prepares the chorus for HEOG’s concerts, but she has served in many capacities such as accompanist, pianist, vocal coach, and artistic director. Her education stems from her hometown of Houston, TX where she received her Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Houston. She earned her
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Master of Arts Degree from Prairie View A&M University where she is currently the Director of Choral Music Activities. Dr. Taylor returned to the University of Houston to obtain her Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting. Being involved with the Houston Ebong Opera Guild since its inception allowed Dr. Taylor to participate in the first production of “Porgy and Bess” at The Miller Outdoor Theatre, in Houston, in 1992. Dr. Taylor explains how the HEOG began. “Dr. Henry spent his entire career coaching singers. But when he was at Prairie View, he decided to develop an outlet for his singers. He wanted to provide opportunities for young singers coming out of college to perform on stage as recitalists, be in the opera, and also have a place to train and develop their talent.” In the beginning, singers across the country were invited to sing with the HEOG. As the organization progressed, the joining process became more structured and required auditions. I asked Dr. Taylor in what other ways has the guild changed. “Now I serve as the chorus master whereas we use to invite people to do it. We use to put on fully staged operas. We have not done that in recent years, but we are in the process of revamping. We use to have guest conductors to come in; now we have Roland Carter.” Dr.
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