NSCS Music Director Dr. Julia Davids arranged for Felicia Patton to speak to NSCS members about her master's thesis, "Hidden Figures, Unsung Sheroes, Silent Voices of Sacred Music: An analysis of the significant contributions of six oft ignored African-American female hymn-writer/composers" at the November 17, 2020 rehearsal (conducted online via Zoom). Felicia has been a soloist with the NSCS and was part of our February 29, 2020 "What Happens When She Sets the Beat?" concert.

A biography of Felicia was sent to members before the November 17th rehearsal:

Felicia Patton is a lifelong Chicagoan. After graduating from high school, Felicia received an undergraduate degree from North Park University as well as two graduate degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her passion for learning has grown into a passion for leading and teaching. She is currently the Worship Coordinator at Urban Village Church in Wicker Park. Previously, she worked as the Director of Traditional Worship at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, IL. Felicia sings Jazz, Gospel, Blues, and Soul music within the Chicagoland area as a solo artist, and also as the lead singer of her band Chicago Soul Revue. Her voice has brought joy to listeners around the world.Felicia is supported by her loving husband Marcus and their two daughters.

Felicia will be talking to us about her master’s thesis, "Hidden Figures, Unsung Sheroes, Silent Voices of Sacred Music: An analysis of the significant contributions of six oft ignored African-American female hymn writer/composers," One of the composers that she wrote about was Lena McLin, composer of Sanctus and Benedictus, which we sang on 02-29-20.