There has been a bold and vibrant sound from Dillard University over the last 50 years. It comes from the direction of Dr. S. Carver Davenport, the longest-serving HBCU choral director.
Davenport has been the associate professor of music and director of concert choir for the New Orleans-based HBCU since arriving there in 1975, Essence reports. Davenport worked with past Dillard leadership to set a fundamental foundation that helped save music education in NOLA.
The Hampton University graduate came to Dillard after studying with his mentor, critically acclaimed composer Dr. Roland M. Carter.
Davenport’s former students admit there was a better understanding of his teachings during his first years at Dillard, which came as Black America was trying to find its way in a newly desegregated country…