I, Too, Sing – Afro-Creole Music and Camille Nickerson

The full list of learning objectives can be found in the lesson outline below, but some include:

I, Too, Sing  is a record lecture recital series created to educate the general public on Classical composers of the African Diaspora. This virtual residency is designed for grades 3-12 and will address the song collection , “Five Creole Songs” as arranged by Camille Nickerson.

Published in 1942, “Five Creole Songs” as arranged by Camille Nickerson where published to introduce and educate the general public about Afro-Creole culture in Louisiana. Through the lens of these pieces, students will learn about the history of Afro-creoles in Louisiana, the contributions of Afro-Creoles to classical music, while learning musical terminology and  song structure.

Song translations

Find the lesson outline here

Candace Burgess

Soprano, Candace Burgess is a versatile vocal artist. The Pittsburgh native holds a bachelors in in Performance Voice from Duquesne University and specializes in the styles of opera/classical, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary. Candace is currently pursuing her masters degree in Vocal Performance at Duquesne University while running her educational recital series called I, Too, Sing: A Celebration of Classical Composers of the African Diaspora. In addition to gigging around the city of Pittsburgh, Candace has participated in two operas: Duquesne University’s 2019 production of Die Fledermaus wherein she portrayed the role of Sally and Chicago Summer Opera’s 2018 production of Die Zauberflöte where she played the role of Third knaben. Additionally, Candace has done some scene work where she has played characters such as Zerlina from “Don Giovanni”, Dorabella from “Cosí fan Tutte”, Sarah Good from “The Crucible”, First Wood Spirit from “Rusulka”, and Gianetta from “L’Elisir D’amore”.