Dr. McNeil,
I am a former student of yours at Hammel Elementary School in East Los Angeles in the late forties. I have fond memories of you, your brother, and your music program. I would love to communicate with my good friend Delfino Cisneros and hope that you can provide me with information of him. Hopefully, I find you all in good health.
Hello,
My name is Octavius and I am the music teacher at Valley Christian High School in Cerritos Ca, and I came to see you all perform at Emmanuel Reformed Church. Not only did you bow my mind but you brought a feeling over me that I haven not felt in awhile. I am from Tennessee and I know all about Fisk University and when you started singing it just took me back. I 30 years old and I moved to Cali when I was 21 on my own to be apart of a group the Young Americans. I am now one of the associate directors, and I am also the new Vocal Music Director at the high school. I am the only African American teacher at the high school and the support from the staff for the music program is not there. I prayed and prayed about the situation of what I should do because I just wanted to walk out and say this is not for me, but the kids are the reason I never go. So I was prayer on ways to show that the arts at everything and then I came to your show. The light in my head popped on and I was like we should have the Jubilee at the school and not only raise money for the Program but to show everyone how important this is. So I am writing you asking if possible how much would you charge to come and perform for Valley Christian in Cerritos? I would rent out a church and just let you all do your thing. I told Mr Bob Olsen that I was going to contact you and he to me to try and see what comes from it, so this is me trying. Let me know what you think and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Hello Albert,
You look great. I am very proud to have been part of that first tour. I can still wear that french hat on the photo, but I'm bald now. I wish you would bring the group to the Majestic Theater her in San Antonio, would love to hear them.
Sincerely,
Your former student
Jim Matlock
Dear Dr. McNeil and Jubilee Singers,
Thank you so much for performing at our parish, St. James Church, in Redondo Beach on Sunday, March 6th. It is an experience we will not soon forget.
Sincerely,
Maggie Evans
St. James Adult Choir
Love your music!
Former UC Davis Student.
I am so enriched to have been in the choir -- way back at Audubon Jr. High School in L.A in the late '50's -- conducted by Albert McNeil. He set a high bar for choir performance, and students loved him for it. Best wishes to Al McNeil and the Jubilee Singers.
It has been almost 30 years since I had the honor of being in the UC Davis Chorus & Chamber Singers (1981 to 1985) directed by Professor Al McNeil. I treasure all the great music and how you made it all come alive! Thank you so much again! I wish you and the Jubilee Singers every blessing and great success in the future. God bless you all.
Joel Bowen
Redmond, WA
Wonderful concert with Robert Schuller last Winter.
Regards,
Jennifer W.
great keep going on
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This group knows how to electrify an audience!
I never tire of 'seeing' (hearing) the Jubilee Singers perform.
Still looking forward to your visit.
Praying for you health and success in 2010.
JIM & Cindy
I miss my Jubilee family. It was such a joy and honor to be part of the very talented group of internationally acclaimed musicians. Thanks Dr. McNeil for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of you. My life is richer for it. Thanks to Nell who taught me how to read music and play a little. So sorry I had to leave LA in a hurry. I will be back soon. I spend my time these days writing.
One love,
Your sister, Andrene
Hello Dr. McNeil,
Hope you are feeling better. Attended the St. Bernadette concert. Heard about it last minute and had to be there with a few friends. Sorry I missed saying hello to you. I think often about the first time I met you as a student (you were guest conductor in Oakland) with my musical mentor Phil Reeder. The kindness and hospitality when we came for my audition at USC and of the the wonderful (yet brief time I sang with the Jubilee singers.
The music is forever imprinted on my soul. Thank you! Lura Daniels-Ball
Dr. McNeil,
Congratulations on 40 years of excellence. As the current pastor of the Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship UCC, I know how much you mean to many in our community of faith. Your efforts during your tenure as the church's Music Minister / Choir Director was a vital component in the growth of the church. On behalf of the officers and members, I extend you heartfelt thanks. God bless you as you carry on bringing joy to so many all over the world.
In Christ's Love,
James K. McKnight
Saw the group perform in San Diego, 1997, at the ACDA convention. The music took my breath away. Easily one of the most captivating performances I've ever seen. What an amazing ensemble.
Can't wait to attend your next performance. Thanks for being in Los Angeles this year!