VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, VocalEssence Chorus

Marques L.A. Garrett is an accomplished vocalist, composer, and researcher who currently serves on the faculty of the University of North Texas. Garrett skillfully crafts his musical setting to mirror the journey into action for the protagonist of James Weldon Johnson’s poem Sonnet. The piece invites us to be courageous and embrace difficult circumstances and conversations as we seek to be conduits of positive change.

My heart be brave, and do not falter so,
Nor utter more that deep, despairing wail.
Thy way is very dark and drear I know,
But do not let thy strength and courage fail;
For certain as the raven-winged night
Is followed by the bright and blushing morn,
Thy coming morrow will be clear and bright;
’Tis darkest when the night is furthest worn.
Look up, and out, beyond, surrounding clouds,
And do not in thine own gross darkness grope,
Rise up, and casting off thy hind’ring shrouds,
Cling thou to this, and ever inspiring hope:
Tho’ thick the battle and tho’ fierce the fight,
There is [a] power [in] making for the right.
—James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938)