Musician Feature: Jerrell R. Gray

Southern University’s very own senior Music Performance major Jerrell Gray of Chicago Illinois is a current member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus and organ player and conductor at
Shiloh Baptist Church, has had many hardships, but has prevailed, and is now a published musical composer as well as the Founder and Director of The Neoteric Chorale.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment to date, is having two pieces of music published while fulfilling my undergraduate degree in Music Performance. My two pieces are The Old Rugged Cross” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I See, Lord!” with GIA Publications, Inc.
Q: What quote do you live by?
A: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants”
Q: What was your most difficult obstacle on the journey to your accomplishments?
A: My toughest obstacle was having to sit out for two years, due to not having enough Financial Aid. During this time, I was saving in order to cover my tuition. However, God blessed me in the midst of my temporary delay, and I want to give a special thank you to Ms. Akai C. Smith and the Division of Student Affairs for their monetary contribution towards the completion of my education.
Q: What are your favorite musical pieces?
A: I have so many but I must say Variations on a Folksong (Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells) By Flor-ence Beatrice Price (1887-1953) for Pipe Organ, Sonata n. 7 op. 83 by Prokofiev, and La Rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta by Giacomo Puccini. These are my favorite because they were all created with such emotion and creativity.
Q: How do you feel that Southern University have impacted your accomplishment?
A: Southern University overall, has impacted my accomplishments through my professors. My music professors have been essential in my growth over the years. Professor Charles Lloyd, Jr. helped me find my love and skill for Bel canto singing as well as meticulous piano playing.
Q: How has music shaped your life?
A: Music is what I have been called to do. Music is my ministry. I am so glad that my calling and purpose are in the very gift(s) that God gave me.
If you are interested in the arts, make sure to check out The Neoteric Chorale’s performance at the annual Heritage Festival of Spirituals this Saturday, February 6, at 3 pm. at Christian Life Fellowship & Academy.