Piece of history

Academy records CD for Nicodemus

BY CHRIS SHULL

The Wichita Eagle

A musical project in Wichita could help support the historic African-American town of Nicodemus in northwest Kansas. Wednesday morning, a string orchestra of mostly black youths from the Northeast Area Strings Academy of Wichita recorded "Home to Nicodemus," a song with orchestral accompaniment by Wichita composer Miriam Overholt.

The recording will be donated to the Nicodemus Historical Society, which will sell CDs of the performance to benefit the society, perhaps as early as next week.

"It's a way for the kids to do a community service project with their instruments," said Kay Buskirk, the director of the strings academy.

"It is helping them out, but it is really helping us, too," said Veronica Maples, 15, a viola player.

"I'm benefiting a lot just learning how to play the piece, plus being in the group lets me meet new people."

The recording session and a rehearsal took place at First Evangelical Free Church in northeast Wichita.

"Home to Nicodemus" was inspired by the sacrifices made by former slaves who founded Nicodemus in 1877.

"This is hugely important, not just in terms of knowing something about where you come as a race of people," said music teacher Danny Darrington, 30, the tenor vocal soloist.

"Their sacrifice and tenacity tells our kids, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything."

The strings academy has performed three times in Nicodemus. They first performed "Home to Nicodemus" there in July 2002.

"The relationship that we've established with NASAW is a great opportunity for our community to see what other African-American youth are doing that is very positive," said Angela Bates, executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society.

After their trips to Nicodemus -- and now by sharing music on a recording -- many in the group can see the historic town in a more personal perspective.

"When you get to know those people there, you just talk to them, you feel like you are connected," said viola player Madelene Moore, 15, from Derby.