The Northeast Area Strings Academy of Wichita, Kansas begins relationship with the town of Nicodemus Kansas

 

In July 2002, NASAW was in Nicodemus, Kansas to perform a recital and receive a local history lesson. Nicodemus is the only surviving western reconstruction town for African Americans. Today it is a National Park.

The day included a short NASAW recital in the Nicodemus town hall. We ended the recital with a new piece written by our local Wichita composer, Miriam Overholt. The composition, "Home to Nicodemus" is for string orchestra (with varying levels of difficulty) and tenor soloist. The song described the founding of Nicodemus. Our tenor soloist was long time NASAW supporter, Danny Darrington.

The town decided they wanted to adopt Mrs. Overholt's composition as their official town song. We were all honored!

In December 2005, we returned to Nicodemus to participate in their Annual Tree Trimming Event. We performed Christmas music and "Home to Nicodemus".

Then in July 2006, we recorded "Home to Nicodemus" and presented it to the town to sell in the National Park Service gift shop. We look forward to more opportunities to work with this historic town!