Chelsea and Kevin speak with poet, musician, teacher, and director of The Gay Men’s Chorus Los Angeles, EJ Harrison about how music can heal you, using social justice as inspiration, moving through mental health challenges, and overcoming fears when it comes to something you’re truly passionate about.
More about EJ:
Ernest Harrison is a poet, musician, and teacher. He is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University (2010) where completed his Bachelor's in English Liberal Arts. He later received his Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from Auburn University (2014), where he studied voice with world-renowned composers/conductors Dr. Rosephanye and William Powell. He then received his Master's in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri (2016) under the tutelage of Dr. R. Paul Crabb. Ernest is currently ADB, concluding his Doctoral studies in Choral Music at the University of Southern California under the direction of Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe.
Ernest became a member of the international Grammy Award winning choral ensemble, Conspirare, in 2019. He was an associate conductor for the Grammy Award-winning National Children’s Chorus (2017-2022) and conductor of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s Cantare Chamber Choir (2019-2022). Ernest is now Music Director and Head of Education and Outreach of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. Ernest has also taught as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine College, the University of Southern California, and Columbia University. He is currently teaching Voice and Music & Social Justice at Loyola Marymount University. Ernest is dedicated to the fight for social justice, equity, and inclusion in the choral classroom, on the concert stage, and in the world. Whether it be as a conductor, composer, arranger, vocalist, choral clinician, poet, or lecturer, his passion for people is the guiding light in every facet of his music making.
Instagram: @ej92187
Facebook: Ernest Harrison
Gay Men’s Chorus Los Angeles (for tickets and more info!): gmcla.org
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