Jerry Black
JERRY BLACK has been involved with church music for over 50 years, beginning at the age of 13 as a church pianist, followed by as an organist and Music Director. He holds music degrees from Georgia State University and the former Sacred Music School of Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
He has had long tenures at four leading churches in the Atlanta metro area as well as serving churches in New York, Florida, and Texas. He has also held second positions as Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Georgia Tech and as the organist for Jewish temples in Florida and Atlanta. He has given organ recitals in several Southern states as well as being a choral clinician at church music workshops and conferences.
He has been married to soprano soloist Charlise Mallory Black for 38 years, with whom he has one foster son and two grandchildren.
Works by Jerry Black
This piece was originally written by Samuel Sebastian Wesley for SATTB choir. Jerry Black has written an SSATB arrangement much more applicable to the majority of today's choirs. More than just a transposition, this arrangement ensures that each voice part is within a comfortable range while preserving proper voice-leading.
This anthem portrays the desolation Christ endured in the final moments before the cross, then moves to the hope that his death and resurrection brings to all people. It is approachable for most choirs.