Classical Native at the Kennedy Center

Chickasaw student music compositions performed at Kennedy CenterClassical music compositions of three Chickasaw students drew thunderous applause from music fans at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, Nov. 8. Compositions of Wyas Parker, Courtney Parchcorn and Kate Duty, all of Ada, Okla., were performed before a capacity crowd at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage as part of Classical Native.

Classical Native, now in its third year, is a series of recitals, chamber concerts, and discussions conducted by the National Museum of the American Indian. In prior years, the event featured professional American Indian classical composers and musicians. This year organizers included student composers.

The Ambrosia Quartet, an accomplished and respected student string quartet from Philadelphia, performed the compositions at the Kennedy Center and at the NMAI.

The three Chickasaw students were selected for the unique opportunity for works they composed during the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy.Comment:  For more on the subject, see NMAI Presents NASA Concert.

Below:  "Three Chickasaw students, Wyas Parker, Kate Duty and Courtney Parchcorn, all of Ada, Okla., had their compositions performed at the Kennedy Center and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. All are students of Chickasaw classical composer Jerod Tate. From left to right are Tate, Parker, Duty, Parchcorn, Lona Barrick, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities, and Debra Bailey, Director of special projects for the division." (Submitted photo)