PROGRAM
Let There Be Peace On Earth ................................................................................................................................Harlene Wood
Honoring United States of America Veterans ....................................................................................8-25-1913 – 4-2-1995
WSOM Harp Ensemble, WCU Community Harp Ensemble Vocalist, Wisdom Jackson
He Reigns Forever .............................................................................................................................Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
West Chester University Gospel - Choir Acapella Director, Matthew Quarles
Nightingale
Deborah Henson Conant (b. 1953)
Thula Sizwe ......................................................................................................................................................................South Africa
Siyahamba ......................................................................................................................................................................South Africa
Bakithi Kumalo, bass, vocals
Sound of Silence ...........................................................................................................................................Paul Simon (b. 1941) Scarborough Fair ....................................................................................................................................................Traditional Folk Bridge Over Troubled Water ..........................................................................Paul Simon and Arthur Garfunkel (b. 1941)
GMG Studios Band
The Boxer ....................................................................................................................................................................................Simon
You Can Call Me Al ...................................................................................................................................................................Simon
Bakithi Kumalo, bass GMG Studios Band
GMG Studios Band
Eliza Claffey, bass ‘27
Paul Jost, Vocals, harp (harmonica)
Brian Stemetzki, guitar
Matthew Stolarski, guitar ‘28
Lumen Guthrie, bassoon M‘24
Brian Saunders, alto sax
Stan Slotter, Trumpet, flute
Michael Dettra, drums ‘23
Jan Jeffries, congas
Jeff Knoettner, keyboard
Audrey Guess - Northington, vocals, harp
Gwen Jackson, vocals, harp
WCU Community Harp Ensemble
Gloria Galante, director
Patrice Bove, First Chair
Jacquelyn Cody
Susan Dallas -Feeney
Vivien Hoke
Louis Lynch
Candace Lark -Masucci
Lucia Galdi Marone
Julia Moravec
Suzzette Ortiz
Michelle Fella Przybylowski ‘83
Elyse Kistler Rubin ‘23
Jonathan Salmon
WSOM Harp Ensemble WCU Gospel Choir
Aaralyn Hunter ’28, First Chair
Elyse Kistler Rubin ‘23
Please silence all cell phones and electronic devices.
Matthew Quarles, director
Aaralyn Hunter
Kiah Rawls
Kayana Ximines
Dasani Armstrong
Sydney Wright
Doug Ford
Ashley Lindingue
Giordan Mcgee
Dominique Vidal
Joyce O’Goffa
Latoia Gordon
Kyanna Randolph
ARTIST PROFILES
Bakithi Kumalo , a Grammy-winning South African bassist, is renowned for his distinctive fretless style blending traditional South African rhythms with jazz and folk influences, famously featured on Paul Simon’s Graceland Raised in Soweto, Kumalo has released solo albums, collaborated with legends like Herbie Hancock, Hugh Masekela, and Chaka Khan, and mentors young musicians worldwide. Learn more: bakithikumalobass.com
Paul Jost , a Vineland, NJ native, is a drummer, vocalist, composer, and arranger whose quartet represented the U.S. in the State Department’s American Music Abroad program. He has performed with Ron Carter, Dr. John, Joe Locke, and others, appeared at major jazz festivals, and recorded acclaimed albums including Breaking Through and While We Were Gone . His work spans jazz interpretations of Springsteen’s Born to Run, music for NBC TV, and over 40 library CDs. Learn more: pauljostmusic.com
The WCU Gospel Choir , part of Gospel Ministries, shares the message of Jesus Christ through music, dance, and worship. Hosting concerts, worship nights, and outreach events, the ministry includes Angels of Divinity (liturgical dance) and Voices of Praise (praise and worship). Directed by Matthew Quarles, the choir enriches campus life with faith and culture.
WSOM Harp Ensemble and WCU Community Harp Ensemble, founded by Professor Gloria Galante in 1987, unite students, alumni, and community members to celebrate the harp’s rich history. They have performed internationally and at venues such as Vienna, Salzburg, and the Philadelphia Kimmel Center, and host the annual WCU Harp Festival honoring U.S. Veterans. Contact: Professor Gloria Galante, 215 -342-9397.
Gloria Galante , recipient of the 2019 Jazz Legacy Award, is an internationally acclaimed harpist and founder of WCU’s Harp Program. She performs across genres and collaborates with artists including Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, and Odean Pope. Gloria directs harp ensembles, serves as a teaching artist for the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, and continues to inspire through education and performance. Learn more: wcupa.edu/cvpa.
Wisdom Epiphani Jackson made her first on -screen appearance at birth in the award -nominated documentary Fight Hate With Love a fitting start for a rising star. Her vocal debut was alongside jazz legend Denise King, followed by a scholarship to the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, where she studied under Henry McMillan. Beyond music, Wisdom enjoys gymnastics, swimming, and piano lessons with Philly Babies CEO Dr. Tameka Ferebee. She also co -owns Sir Wisdom Enterprises, LLC, a family business providing housing for U.S. Veterans. An Honor Roll student and animal lover, Wisdom brings creativity, confidence, and heart to her first appearance at Wells School of Music at West Chester University.
Gwen Jackson is an accomplished singer, dancer, and actor whose career spans Broadway, film, and international touring. She has appeared in Cirque du Soleil’s Delirium, Riverdance on Broadway, and The Civil War National Tour, and performed with artists including Toots and the Maytals, Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow, Harry Belafonte, Diana Ross, and Jill Scott. Her credits include Carnegie Hall appearances, work with the Broadway Gospel Choir, and projects for BET, PBS, 20th Century Fox, and DreamWorks, alongside collaborations with Rodney Jerkins, Whitney Houston, and Dr. Dre. This marks her second appearance at WSOM Harpfest.
Audrey Lynn Guess is a powerhouse vocalist whose roots in gospel have carried her to stages worldwide. She has performed with icons like The Clark Sisters and Tramaine Hawkins, toured internationally with Grammy winner Jill Scott, and lent her voice to reggae legend Toots Hibbert. Known for her rich tone and versatility, Audrey moves effortlessly between gospel, soul, and R&B, captivating audiences with every performance.
UPCOMING WELLS SCHOOL OF MUSIC EVENTS
For full event details visitwcupa.edu/music or call (610) 436-2739
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 , 11:00 AM
Jazz Studies Combo Recital†
Jonathan Ragonese, director
Ware Family Recital Hall
Swope Music Building
Monday, December 1, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Statesmen & Steel Band Concert
Mark Allen & David Nelson, directors
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Strings Chamber Music Concert
Jesus Morales, direcgtor
Ware Family Recital Hall
Swope Music Building
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Trilovati Flute Ensemble Concert
Kimberly Reighley, director
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Percussion Ensemble Concert
Ralph Sorrentino, director
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 , 3:00 PM
Chamber Winds Concert†
Andrew Yozviak, director
Ware Family Recital Hall
Swope Music Building
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 , 4:00 PM
Studio Music Ensemble Concert
Devin Arne, director
Ware Family Recital Hall
Swope Music Building
Thursday, December 4, 2025 , 11:00 AM
WSOM Fall Convocation Recital †
Emily Bullock & Ralph Sorrentino, directors
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Performing Arts Center
*Tickets are required for this event.
†For weekday daytime events, please RSVP tomusicinfo@wcupa.eduto obtain a parking pass via email
Interested in supporting the Wells School of Music?
Scan the QR code and choose the ‘Wells School of Music Excellence Fund ' to direct your donation towardsustaining and enhancing the overall programs and musical excellence at the Wells School of Music.
For further information, please call (610) 436-2868 or visitwcufoundation.org
A majority ofperformances are available to watch via live stream atVimeo.com/WSOM
Mr.Jonathan Lightcap, Director of Recording Services and Digital Media
Steinway & Sons Piano Technical, Tuning and Concert Preparations by Gerald P. Cousins, RPT
If you do not intend to save your program, please recycle it in the baskets at the exit doors.
The Wells School of Music | West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Christopher Hanning, Dean