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Delta Music Institute students recently attended “The History of Gospel Music” workshop in Washington, D.C.

A group of 10 students from the Delta Music Institute at Delta State University recently attended a workshop titled “The History of Gospel Music” in Washington, D.C.

The opportunity was offered through a partnership between Delta State and the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live. The educational workshop is part of a series called “Performances at the White House.”

Students were able to see the National Mall and memorial monuments, National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian, and the Air and Space Museum. They were also provided a special tour of the White House from a Delta State alum and native of Rosedale, Miss.

Amber Foster, DMI student, was excited and honored to visit the nation’s capitol.

“I was beyond elated to be invited by GRAMMY Museum at L.A. and Michelle Obama to an event in celebration of gospel music,” said Foster. “Just like many other music lovers, gospel was the first music I experienced. It’s special, so to be chosen to travel to Washington, D.C. and celebrate this wonderful music was truly an honor.”

First Lady Michelle Obama, GRAMMY Executive Director Bob Santelli, gospel music star and former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams, Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell, Darlene Love and Rhiannon with the Carolina Chocolate Drops were part of the educational program the students attended.

“Throughout the week, we attended workshops with other students from across the country, with the last workshop being at the White House,” added Foster. “We listened to many successful artists who started their careers singing gospel music. I was sitting there listening to stories and thinking I am so blessed. It was the most advantageous, awesome trip.”

Tricia Walker, director of the DMI, recognized the valuable learning opportunities the students had in D.C.

“This kind of programming opportunity is very beneficial for our entertainment industry students — to see a program produced at such a high-quality level with successful artists, as well to have the chance to visit our nation’s most treasured monuments and sites,” said Walker. “To also witness the U.S. Senate in session was a unique experience offered to them, and I’m so happy these students were able to take advantage of this.”

Students attending included: Erica Spiller, Logan Wells, Samuel Browning, Horace Willis, Louis Stewart, Jr., Benjamin Murray, Amber Foster, Jacory Pulliam, Lane Fitzgerald and Jacob Hyatt. They were accompanied by Vickie Jackson, program coordinator for the DMI Mobile Music Lab.

The DMI is an independent center of study under the College of Arts and Sciences at Delta State University, offering a bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Industry Studies. The focus of the DMI is to provide students with a broad and thorough education in the technological, creative and business areas of the music and entertainment industry. For more information, contact 662-846-4579 or visit http://dmi.deltastate.edu.