The Music Program organized on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 an evening of jazz, spirituals, classics, and Gershwin for the general public. This free event was marked by the performance of Salima Iralene Swain who is a soprano of international renown. She performed songs in a variety of styles and was accompanied by Dr. Erma Rose, Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Music program. Ms. Swain's performance also was enriched by the Ferrum College Concert and Gospel Choirs in her final number, a solo with chorus, from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. The lead character of Bess is Ms. Swain's most recognized role.

Salima Iralene Swain was raised in Kansas City, Kansas and received a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Pittsburgh State University. She appeared

in "Most Outstanding Young Women of America" and was honored as a "Most Outstanding Young Alumnae" of Pittsburg State College in 1986. She continued her studies at the University of Texas at Austin as a post-graduate student in vocal performance, where she taught the first classes in African-American Music History. Ms. Swain was very involved in the Austin cultural community and made appearances on TV and radio. She taught voice and theory at Huston-Tilliston College and was on the faculty of Austin Community College.

Ms. Swain was awarded a scholarship at The Juilliard School in New York to continue her studies in opera performance. Her first professional performance was as Puccini's "Tosca" with the New York Grand Opera. She then toured Europe with Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" and performed the roles of Bess and Serena. Her singing travels have taken her throughout the United States and to over 15 European countries and West Africa. She has performed a wide repertoire of classical vocal music including German Lieder, French and American art songs; Italian, German and French opera; African-American spirituals as well as sacred music and oratorios. Ms. Swain also has served as soloist for many churches in the New York area. Her lecture-recital tours include: "The Black Prima Donna: from Sorrow Songs to Arias" and "African-American Art Songs from Spirituals to Jazz."

Singing has been only one aspect of this talented career. Ms. Swain is a master voice teacher and has conducted choruses for New York Public Schools, private schools, colleges and churches. Presently, she is a therapeutic music specialist for a long-term care facility, and she teaches private voice lessons in her New York studio. Ms. Swain also plans to use her experience and expertise in the spiritual area as she is now studying to be an Interfaith Minister and intends to work as a chaplain, therapeutic musician, and spiritual counselor for schools, hospitals, and other health care facilities.

For more information on the Music minor and future events, contact Dr. Erma Rose at 540-365-4341.