Renowned Pianist Shares Talent and Tales with SU

As the sound of each key played on the piano filled the room with music, a pianist gave listeners one of her greatest gifts: the gift of music.
Southern University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts hosted a program entitled “In Commemoration of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Death of Ludwig Van Beethoven,” on April 3 in Frank Hayden Hall’s Fine Arts Theater.
The distinguished event was a black tie affair that featured pianist Armenta Adams Hummings, an associate professor of music at the University of Rochester-Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
Hummings began her musical studies at the New England Conservatory of Music at the age of four. In 1953, she was awarded a full scholarship to the Julliard School of Music. Hummings is also the founder and the artistic director of the Gateways Music Festival, a nationwide festival celebrating the achievements of African-American Musicians.
“My festival has moved into various areas that have never had concerts before,” said Hummings. “Music should be done for all people and should not be limited to well-known artists.”
Throughout the program, she serenaded listeners with three sonatas that explained Beethoven’s life.
“I took parts of his (Beethoven’s) life from an early sonata to a later one. And it was very simple,” said Hummings in reference to the first composition. “I put the rage and anger into words in the second one. The third was a spiritual composure, said Hummings.”
“She put a lot of herself into the performance with much passion,” said Eujon Jones, a senior music major from New Orleans.
Hummings has not only experienced the superb teachings from the stellar institutions, but one who has also been awarded for her talent on many occasions.
Towards the end of the program a question and answer session was held. At that time she chose to enlighten the audience with some of her personal stories involving the many obstacles she has faced.
There was a time that with all she had accomplished, she left the stage for an even bigger conquest. That 20-year conquest was raising four boys that she proudly says have never been to jail.
Afton Chambers, a sophomore mass communications major from Oklahoma City was one of the listeners that appeared to be enlightened by Hummings visit.
“I was truly amazed by the outstanding person that was shown through Hummings as she spoke on her love for life, music and family.”