Chattanooga Boys Choir
photo by Earl Freudenberg
The 32nd Annual Edmonia Simmons–Everett O’Neal Memorial Concert was held Sunday at the Harrison Center on Highway 58.
The concert featured the “Bridges of Harmony Heritage Choir” and “Chattanooga Boys Choirs.”
The annual concert was started in 1994 by Mr. O’Neal to memorialize his good friend, Mrs. Edmonia Simmons. When Mr. O’Neal passed in 1996 the choral tribute was expanded to include him.
Since 1994, choirs have joined together in song and praise to large audiences throughout the Chattanooga community.
During her career, Mrs. Simmons received numerous awards and notable recognition for her outstanding teaching and performances. She was named “Teacher of the Year” in 1968.
In addition to serving as Chattanooga Boys Choir director for 20 years, Mr. O’Neal was a teacher and supervisor in the Hamilton County School System for 25 years. Mr. O’Neal was also coordinator of the Hamilton County Music Festival for many years.
The “Bridges of Harmony Heritage Choir” was under the direction of Michael Mitchell Jr., and the “Chattanooga Boys Choir” was directed by Vincent Oaks.
The presentation of “Thinking” by the Boys Choir marks the first performance of the new work by Bridges of Harmony Heritage Choir Director Mitchell.
Mr. Oaks called the concert, “The pre-game show” referencing the Super Bowl later in the evening.
The Harrison Center, housed in the former Harrison Elementary School, opened last year and is operated by the Hamilton County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Several music teachers who once taught at the elementary school were in the audience for the afternoon performance.
Heritage Choir
photo by Earl Freudenberg