TWC SPOTLIGHT | Q&A with Dr. Rollo Dilworth of “Resilience“ digital choral experience
June 2, 2021
During this most uncommon season, The Washington Chorus is especially grateful for our collaborators’ artistry and flexibility in sharing their work. This week, we Spotlight Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Associate Professor of Choral Music Education at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music, who serves dual roles in our upcoming “Resilience” digital concert experience: composer and performer. “Resilience” premieres on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 8pm ET.
We are thrilled to perform Dr. Dilworth’s piece “Freedom’s Plow” and to feature the composer himself on piano as part of the performance. Dr. Dilworth has written and/or arranged over 150 choral works that are currently in print. Most importantly, he is an avid fan of game shows and classic soul/R&B of the 60‘s and 70‘s!
Dr. Rollo Dilworth performs in “Resilience” with The Washington Chorus, premiering June 11, 2021
What does resilience mean to you?
To me, resilience is not only about perseverance amid a challenging situation, but it is also about reaching back to draw upon the lessons and strength one inherits from one's ancestors.
How did you become a composer?
I can remember creating my own songs and arranging the songs of others when I was in elementary school. When I became a music teacher, I began to compose and arrange on a regular basis for my middle school choirs. I took formal composition lessons in graduate school.
Where did you draw inspiration from for your over 150 compositions?
Most of my inspiration comes from the text. My goal is to use musical language as a means of amplifying the text.
How has music and art helped you remain resilient?
I try to surround myself with music, art, and poetry that communicate messages of strength, hope, and joy. For example, I have been reading lots of poetry by the late Dr. Maya Angelou.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating on a digital project?
I was honored just to have my piece "Freedom's Plow" chosen for the Resilience concert. Being able to record the piano part was a bonus!
What tv shows, movies or music have you consumed in quarantine? Do you have any Netflix guilty pleasures?
When I am not watching news shows, I am watching game shows (old and new). When I am not writing music, I am usually listening to classic soul/R&B of the 60's and 70's.
Rollo Dilworth (b. 1970) is Associate Professor of Choral Music Education at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in choral music education, he conducts the University Chorale. Prior to his Temple University appointment in 2009, Dilworth was director of the music education program and director of the choral program at North Park University in Chicago (1996-2009). Dilworth is currently National Board Chair for Chorus America. He is an active life member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Dilworth has a bachelor of science in music education from Case Western Reserve University; a M.Ed. from University of Missouri-St. Louis; and a D.M.A. from Northwestern University. He is an oft-published composer of choral music, with emphasis in the areas of spirituals and gospel-inspired works.
For more information on the “Resilience” digital concert experience, click here.