Kevin Whalum performs live with MTSU Singers

By Morgan Washington

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. –Kevin Whalum, former member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal group TAKE 6, performed at the T. Earl Hinton Music Hall Wright Music Building on April 16 for the “Presidential Signature Series Performance Concert”.

            Whalum was apparently invited to perform by Middle Tennessee State University President Sydney A. McPhee. He performed with the MTSU Singers under the direction of Cedric Dent. Dent is also a former member of TAKE 6 and a friend of Whalum's. 

             “I met Kevin through his brother Kirk Whalum, who is a world-renowned saxophonist that has worked with TAKE 6 in the past," Dent said. “TAKE 6, of course, is the Grammy Award-winning vocal group that I performed with for 25 years.”

            The MTSU Singers are a unique jazz ensemble that requires more than just singing voices. They have an ear for singing jazz harmony and are good music readers. The ensemble is by audition only.

            Students prepare for concerts every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:40-3:45 p.m. right here on Middle Tennessee State University campus. There will be no more upcoming shows for this spring semester. To view the upcoming shows for the fall and spring semester of 2013-2014, visit the university's event website at http://www.mtsu.edu/music/calendar.php.

            “The MTSU Singers are the only vocal ensemble that promotes and features jazz-style vocal arrangements and improvisation," said Dent "It's a small group where every individual voice is critical to the sound of the ensemble. It is my goal to develop the finest collegiate vocal jazz ensemble in the country. Students who'd like to be a part of that legacy and don't mind working hard should audition.” said Dent                                                

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