DENMARK, SC, – In celebration of Black History Month, Voorhees University will host a special two-day residency featuring distinguished conductor, vocalist, composer, and scholar Emorja Roberson on February 19–20, 2026, in Massachusetts Hall at Voorhees University.
Titled “Voices of Black Sacred and Choral Excellence,” the residency will include a lecture, master class, community rehearsal, and culminating recital and community performance, offering students and the public an immersive exploration of Black sacred music traditions through scholarship, instruction, and live performance.
Thursday, February 19
- Lecture – Massachusetts Hall | 11:00 a.m.
- Master Class – Humanities Building | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Community Rehearsal – St. Philip’s Chapel | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 20
- Recital & Community Performance – Massachusetts Hall Auditorium | 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free for students | $10 for the public
The evening performance will celebrate the depth, beauty, and power of Black sacred and choral traditions, bringing together scholarship and artistry in a dynamic communal experience.
Dr. Roberson currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies at Oxford College of Emory University and Choral Director at Georgia Gwinnett College. A member of the GRAMMY Recording Academy, he is recognized nationally for bridging classical music, gospel traditions, and contemporary performance. His academic work in ethnomusicology and Black sacred music has been presented at major national and international conferences, including the American Choral Directors Association Symposium and the British Forum for Ethnomusicology.
He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Sacred Music degrees from the University of Notre Dame and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Florida. His compositions are published by GIA Publications and MorningStar Music, with premieres scheduled through 2026.
“Black History Month provides an opportunity not only to reflect on our history but to celebrate the living traditions that continue to shape our culture and faith,” said Dr. Edward Hill, Voorhees Provost and Vice President. “Dr. Roberson’s residency embodies the excellence, scholarship, and artistic power that define Black sacred music.”
This residency underscores Voorhees University’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage while fostering academic engagement and community collaboration. By integrating performance, pedagogy, and dialogue, the University continues its legacy of cultivating well-rounded graduates who understand the transformative role of the arts in society.
For more information, please contact Dr. Anthony Pittman, Dean of Humanities at apittman@voorhees.edu.
