The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama
University Singers University Singers
PPresents: resents:
DOUBLE HELIX DOUBLE HELIX
Conductor
Dr. Morgan Luttig
Collaborative Pianists
Max Dyer
Mason McCool
Macy Steele
Tour of Germany
March 6, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Moody Music Building, Tuscaloosa, AL
March 10, 2025 | 19:00
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, Berlin
March 12, 2025 | 19:30
Nikolaikirche, Leipzig
March 13, 2025 | 19:00
Providenzkirche, Heidelberg
Here
DOUBLE HELIX
PLEASE HOLD APPLAUSE UNTIL INDICATED BREAKS.
Joshua Rist (living) MusicSpoke
We Are [Excerpt] Ysaÿe Barnwell (living) E.C. Schirmer 9284
Faith Kirkland, soloist
Antara (Between) Tracy Wong (living) Graphite Publishing TW007
Tebe Poem Pavel Chesnokov (1877-1944)
CPDL
Stomp on the Fire Andrea Ramsey (living) MusicSpoke Perhaps Dale Trumbore (living) Graphite Publishing DT0033
I Am Loved Christopher Harris (living) Hinshaw Music HMC2484
Der Tanz Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
CPDL
Lobet den Herrn, Alle Heiden, BWV 230 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Bärenreiter-Verlag
O Schöne Nacht Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) CPDL
The Prow (from The Oceans Between Us) Matthew Lyon Hazzard (living) lyonhazzard.com
Kaylie Gaggiani, Alex Holmquist, Ella Boyd, Sarah Martin, soloists
Shaker Dance
Traditional Shaker Tune
Arr. Brad Holmes (living)
Noah Graham, Chris Efobi soloists Bradholmesmusic com
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal
Ezekiel Saw de Wheel
Always Remember
Psalm 23
Traditional
Arr. Alice Parker (1925-2023)
Jenna Johnson, soloist Lawson-Gould LG51351
Traditional Spiritual Arr. William Dawson (1899-1990)
Neil A. Kjos Music Company No. T110
P R O G R A M
Andraé Crouch
Arr. Jason Max Ferdinand (living) GIA G8573
Mason McCool (living)
Ella Boyd, Emma Chambless, Macy Steele, soloists Manuscript
Still I Rise Rosephanye Powell
arr. William Powell and Rosephanye Powell (living) Gentry Publications JG2527
Kyla Collins, Lucas Oosthuizen, Wisdom Gwynn, MaKenna Carnes, soloists
Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Arr. Amir Zaheri (living)
Kate Bryant, soloist AmirZaheri.com
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Cedric Dent (living)
Madison Gore, soloist Walton Music Corporation WW1901
N O T E S O N T H E P R O G R A M
“Who are you? Who will you be?”
These fundamental questions from our opening piece (Here) frame this performance on the concept of identity titled Double Helix. What makes up who we are? Is it our past, including our family and foundational relationships that came before us (We Are), our current internal self-perception and inner-power (Antara), the calling of a higher power, (Tebe Poem), or the collective whole of humanity striving toward a singular purpose (Stomp on the Fire)? The first half of our set tonight explores the concept of our identity with relation to the self and others.
The answer, we discover, lies in the unknown. There is no one element that helps shape us into who we are. This semester in University Singers, we have challenged ourselves and those around us to lean into life’s ambiguity. Instead of running from the unknown, we are learning to sit in it (Perhaps). In Brandon Elliott’s poem set by Dale Trumbore, Perhaps leans into the uneasiness of being human, saying, “Perhaps we may live an answer or illuminate a story Perhaps we may not ” In this piece we wrestle with our internal and external motivations in presenting who we are. Despite our best intentions, we are not always able to accomplish that which we hope to achieve as our legacy. Instead, we are encouraged by the author to “seek comfort in such things as flowers and song,” simply existing in the world rather than constantly trying to shape it. We round out the first half of the performance with a grand celebration of humanity’s greatest purpose, to love one another (I am Loved).
The image of a “double helix” consists of two strands that coil around a core The second half of the evening revolves around this idea of duality We begin with an ever-shifting identity that presents itself in the form of aging (Der Tanz). Following a radical acceptance of our fate getting older, we rejoice in the fact that there is a plan for us far beyond what we can see (Lobet den Herrn, Alle Heiden). In this acceptance of life’s due course we allow ourselves the freedom to find joy in the world around us and in the potential for love (O Schöne Nacht).
Following our journey to Germany, we explore the second half of the “double helix” duality in our return overseas (The Prow) to America (Shaker Dance). Similar to the first half of the program, our American set is not one-dimensional Instead, the University Singers explore many of the musical facets that represent “American music,” including sacred harp (Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal), traditional spiritual (Ezekiel Saw de Wheel), jazz (Always Remember), modern choral (Psalm 23), gospel (Still I Rise), a choral-infused style synonymous with the state of Alabama (Sweet Home Alabama), and finally, gospel-jazz fusion (He’s Got the Whole World). In the latter half of this performance we bring to life the music of composers with Alabama connections to ensure the great musical minds of Alabama an audience on the national and international stage.
Please enjoy the University Singers’ performance of Double Helix.
Here
Joshua Rist (Living)
Here is where my grieving wanes
As I lay down the corpse of my old name
A new song is rising
Deep in the breath of a waking mind
An ever-expanding horizon line
Where loss and birth are intertwined
[Chorus]
Here on the ground where I’m standing in bare feet
A bush in the desert lies burning before me
Pulsing questions coursing through me
Here on the shore of a heavenly ocean
My mind is illumined and my spirit reopened
Here the Cosmos asks me
Who are you? Who will you be?
Here, around my dreams and doubts
These questions I must live in and live out
The veil of distraction
Covering over my inner eye
The cataract of our design Is lifted by the morning light
[Chorus]
All I am and all I’ll be
My thread inside this tapestry
Who are you Who will you be
As I open the door
I feel the wild wood beckon once more
Who are you Who will you be?
T E X T S
Antara
Mohamad Fairuz bin Mohd Tauhid (b. 1982)
Antara
Dari duduk oh berdiri
Cabar hati
Kuatkan jati
Dari pegun oh berlari
Between Between From sitting to standing
Challenge (your) heart
Strengthen your inner-self
From stillness to running
We Are Ysaÿe Barnwell
For each child that’s born, a morning star rises and sings to the universe who we are.
We are our grandmothers’ prayers and we are our grandfathers’ dreamings, we are the breath of our ancestors, we are the spirit of God.
We are mothers of courage and fathers of time, we are daughters of dust and the sons of great visions, we’re sisters of mercy and brothers of love, we are lovers of life and the builders of nations, we’re seekers of truth and keepers of faith, we are makers of peace and the wisdom of ages.
Tebe Poem (Тебепоем) Orthodox
Тебепоем
Тебеблагословим
Господи имолимТися, Боженаш
Боженаш
молимТися, Боженаш
We sing to you We praise you We thank you O Lord.
We pray to you, our God
Our God
Stomp on the Fire Nonsense syllables
Perhaps Brandon Elliott (Living)
In our lifetime, we will undoubtedly have so many questions left unanswered. So many stories will be left untold. Perhaps we may live an answer or illuminate a story. Perhaps we may not.
So we turn to the security of constancy as dependable as the sea, nature full of beauty and peace, music that can teach and inspire. Perhaps all we can do is seek comfort in such things as flowers, and song, and You.
T E X T S
I Am Loved
Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)
I am wild, I will sing to the trees, I will sing to the stars in the sky, I love, I am loved, he is mine, Now at last I can die!
I am sandaled with wind and with flame, I have heart-fire and singing to give, I can tread on the grass or the stars, Now at last I can live!
Der Tanz Kolumban Schnitzer Von Meerau
Es redet und träumet die Jugend so viel, Von Tanzen, Galoppen, Gelagen, Auf einmal erreicht sie ein trügliches Ziel, Du hört man sie seufzen und klagen.
The Dance
Youth talks and dreams so much of dancing, capering and carousing; then all of a sudden it reaches its illusory goal, and we hear it sighing and complaining.
Bald schmerzet der Hals, und bald schmerzet die Brust, Verschwunden ist alle die himmlische Lust. „Nur diesmal noch kehr’ mir Gesundheit zurück!“ So flehet: vom Himmel der hoffende Blick!
Now the pain is in the throat, now it’s in the chest; vanished are all heavenly joys. ‘Give me back my health just this once!’ The imploring gaze beseeches heaven.
Lobet Den Herrn Alle Heiden
Psalm 117
Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden, und preiset ihn, alle Völker!
Denn seine Gnade und Wahrheit waltet über uns in Ewigkeit. Alleluja.
OSchöneNacht
GeorgFriedrichDaumer(1800-1875)
OschöneNacht!
AmHimmelmärchenhaft ErglänztderMondinseinerganzenPracht; UmihnderkelinenSternelieblicheGenossenschaft.
OschöneNacht! EsschimmerthellderTauamgrünenHalm; MitMachtinFliederbuscheschlägtdieNachtigall; DerKnabeschleichtzuseinerLiebstensacht, OschöneNacht!
Praise the Lord, all the heathens
Praise the Lord, all the heathens And celebrate him, all the peoples! For his grace and truth Reign over us for ever. Alleluia!
T E X T S
OLovelyNight
Ohbeautifulnight!
Themoonisfabulouslyshining initscompletesplendourinthesky; Aroundit,sweetcompanyoflittlestars.
Ohbeautifulnight!
Thedewisshimmeringongreengrassblades; Thenightingalesingsardentlyinthelilacbush, Theboystealssoftlytohislover. Ohbeautifulnight!
The Prow
Jonathan Talberg (living)
The prow, the best place on the boat for a seat. Wind whipping, salt spraying, sun shining, dolphins playing above darkness and creeps in the deep,
Gliding o’er brilliance
Sea air, crack of sails, No one can catch us, Not even the whales!
Shaker Dance
Traditional Shaker Tune
Nonsense syllables
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal Traditional
Hark, I hear the harps eternal ringing on the farther shore, As I near those swollen waters with their deep and solemn roar. And my soul, tho’ stain’d with sorrow, fading as the light of day, Passes swiftly o’er those waters, to the city far away. Souls have cross’d before me, saintly, to that land of perfect rest; And I hear them singing faintly in the mansions of the blest.
Refrain: Hallelujah, praise the lamb! Glory to the great I AM!
Ezekiel Saw de Wheel
Traditional Spiritual
Ezekiel saw de wheel, Way up in de mid'l of de air;
[Chorus]
De big wheel run by faith, An' de lit'l wheel run by the grace of God, A lit’l wheel in a wheel, Way in de mid'l of de air,
Better mind my brother how you walk en de cross, Your foot may slip, an' yer soul get lost.
Ole Sa'tan wears a club foot shoe, If you don' mind he'll slip it on you.
[Chorus]
Some go to church for to sing an' shout, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah!
Befo' six months dey's all turn’d out Way in de mid'l of de air,
Ezekiel saw de wheel, Way in de mid'l of de air.
T E X T S
Always Remember
He’s been so good to me, I will always keep him on my mind. Always remember Jesus. Always keep him by your side, in your heart All day long. Always keep him on your mind.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
E X T S
Still I Rise
Rosephanye Powell
Though I have been wounded, aching heart full of pain. Still I rise, yes, still I rise.
Jus’ like a budding rose, my bloom is nourished by rain. Haven’t time to wonder why, though fearful I strive.
My pray’r and faith uphold me ‘til my courage arrives.
[Refrain]
Still I rise as an eagle, soaring above ev’ry fear. With each day I succeed, I grow strong an’ believe That it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Bolstered by courage, yes, still I rise. Yes, it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Yes, still I rise.
As my heart grow weary, and my confidence dies Still I rise, yes, still I rise.
Pure strength is in my tears and healing rains in my cries. Plunging depths of anguish, I determine to strive.
My pray’r and faith uphold me ‘til my courage arrives.
Though you see me slump with heartache; Heart so heavy that it breaks. Be not deceived I fly on bird’s wings, rising sun, its healing rays. Look at me, I’m getting stronger; I’m determined to survive. Tho’ I get tired an’ I get weary, I won’t give up I’m still alive.
[Refrain]
Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd (ed. Amir Zaheri)
Big wheels keep on turnin’ Carry me home to see my kin.
Singin’ songs about the Southland, I miss Alabamy and I think it’s a sin.
[Chorus]
Sweet home Alabama, Where the skies are so blue.
Sweet home Alabama, Lord, I’m comin’ home to you.
I heard ol’ Neil singing. Put her down.
I hope Mister Young will remember We don’t need him ‘round anyhow. No!
[Chorus]
From Muscle Shoals come the Swampers. They pick a song or two For me when I’m feeling blue!
[Chorus]
He’s Got the Whole
World in His Hands
Traditional Spiritual
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands.
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands.
He’s got the itty-bitty baby in His hands.
Uphethe bonk’a bantu Ezandle’ Uphe thum hlab’ Ezandleni. (“He’s got the whole world in His hands”)
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
Soprano 1
Kate Bryant ‘25; Music Therapy; Katy, TX
Emma Chambless ‘27; Vocal Music Education; Tuscaloosa, AL
Grace Dell ‘26; Vocal Music Education; Fayetteville, NC
Jenna Johnson ‘26; Vocal Music Education; Fredericksburg, VA
Annabella Orndorff ‘27; History, Political Science, Music; Fayetteville, GA
Soprano 2
Ella Boyd ‘25; Neuroscience of Music (New College), Music Therapy; Dothan, AL
MaKenna Carnes ‘26; Master of Music in Choral Conducting; Kirksville, MO
Kaylie Gaggiani ‘25; Biology (Pre-Med); Savannah, GA
Alex Holmquist ‘26; Music Therapy; Alpharetta, GA
Sarah Katheron Latham ‘27; Vocal Music Education; Chattanooga, TN
Alto 1
Grey Gill ‘27; Music; Jacksonville, AL
Wisdom Gwynn ‘27; Vocal Music Education; Madison, AL
Faith Kirkland ‘26; Marketing, Music; Tucson, AZ
Olivia Seale Esposito ‘27; Vocal Music Education; Auburn, AL
Macy Steele ‘25; Music; Birmingham, AL
Alto 2
Kyla Collins ‘25; Mathematics, Public Health; Springfield, OH
Madison Gore ‘25; Criminal Justice; Madison, AL
Sarah Martin ‘26; Criminal Justice, Social Welfare; Tuscaloosa, AL
Sassy Mednikow ‘26; Business, Music; Memphis, TN
Becca Vinson ‘27; Vocal Music Education; Birmingham, AL
Tenor 1
Andrew Evans ‘28; Political Science; Homewood, AL
Darian Polke ‘25; Musical Theatre, Criminal Justice; Tuscaloosa, AL
Peter Vander Wal ‘27; Music Composition; Tuscaloosa, AL
Reagan White ‘27; Creative Media; Trussville, AL
Tenor 2
Alfredo Dittrich ‘26; Biology (Pre-Med), Katy, TX
Connor Harkiewicz ‘25; Biology, Musical Theater; Yardley, PA
Samuel Kaufmann ‘27; Chemistry; Niles, MI
Kyle Kennedy ‘26; Management Information Systems; Woodstock, GA
Bass 1 (Baritone)
Angus Durham ‘25; Master of Music in Composition; Tuscaloosa, AL
Max Dyer ‘28; Architectural Engineering, STEM to MBA; High Point, NC
Liam Hoxsie ‘27; Finance, Actuarial Science, Mathematics; Traverse City, MI
Ryan Johnston ‘25; Arts Administration; Opelika, AL
James Merchant ‘27; Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering; Homewood, AL
JoQuez Shepard ‘27; Vocal Performance; Oxford, AL
Bass 2
Will Broadhurst ‘26; Music Education; Albertville, AL
Chris Efobi ‘25; Chemistry (Pre-Med); Cumming, GA
Noah Graham ‘26; Master of Music in Choral Conducting; Trussville, AL
Mason McCool ‘25; Music Composition, French; Gordo, AL
Lucas Oosthuizen ‘25; Accounting; Schaumburg, IL
Dyllon Ravenell ‘25; History; Baltimore, MD
= Co-President
= Choir Manager
= Section Leader
= PR Chair
= Social Chair
Morgan Luttig, Ph.D. is a dynamic choral conductor, music educator, and clinician As Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama, she conducts the University Singers, Treble Chorus, and Druid City Chorus while overseeing the undergraduate and graduate conducting programs. Under her direction, the University of Alabama Choirs have been invited to perform at the 2025 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, participated in national commission consortiums, and traveled annually both domestically and internationally
Prior to her current role, Luttig served as the Visiting Choral Director at Washington and Lee University. She also previously taught K-12 choral and general music in Savannah, GA, and Princeton, NJ. Her commitment to the choral arts extends beyond the classroom, as she actively serves in leadership positions with the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO)
As a conductor/clinician, Luttig has led honor choirs, clinics, and choral festivals at the state and regional levels throughout the United States. Inspired by her work with varying ages of choirs throughout her career, her research in topics such as conducting pedagogy, inclusive programming, student engagement, and representation in the choral arts have led to presentations and research posters at ACDA and NAfME conferences
Holding a Ph.D. in Music Education (Choral Conducting) from Florida State University, Luttig also earned a Master of Music Education (Choral Emphasis) degree from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Washington and Lee University
P E R S O N N E L
U A S C H O O L O F M U S I C
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
General Music (BA)
Composition (BM)
Performance: Jazz Studies (BM)
Music Administration (BA)
Musical Audio Engineering (BSMAE)
Music Education (Choral or Instrumental) (BME)
Music Therapy (BM)
Theory (BM)
Performance (BM)
Music Minor
CHORAL GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Music (MM) in Choral Conducting
Master of Arts (MA) in Music Education
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Choral
Conducting
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Secondary Education/Music Education Emphasis
Special Thanks
Director Charles “Skip” Snead, Dean Joe Messina, Ashleigh Junkin, Dr. Scott AuCoin, and Dr. Alexis Davis-Hazell
