Dr. Verolga Nix & Intermezzo Choir Ministry: Bio

DR. VEROLGA NIX - Minister Of Music

DR. VEROLGA NIX


Verolga Nix is the daughter of the late Reverend Andrew W. Nix, Sr. and the late Ida A. Nix of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She majored in music at Germantown High School. After taking the test given by the Board of Education, she won the first out-of-state, four year music scholarship ever offered by the Board of Education Music Division. After two years at New England Conservatory of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts, she transferred to Oberlin Conservatory of Music, in Oberlin, Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Oberlin Conservatory. Verolga taught Music in the Philadelphia Public School System for over 20 years.

Verolga is a member of BMI (Broadcast Music Inc,); NANM (National Association of Negro Musicians); and The Hymn Society. She has received awards from O.I.C.; Jazz Cultural Award from Amy 6 Public School; a proficiency award for “Composition, Arranging, Directing and Editing” from Dr. Hytolia R. James; the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Harrisburg, PA; and the Josie R. Roberts Music Award presented by the Delaware Valley Alumni Association of Bethune-Cookman College.

She has accompanied, on piano, such greats as Patti LaBelle, Ruth Naomi Floyd and Jill Scott and taught two members of Pieces of A Dream.

One of her greatest achievements was being selected as one of the two co-editors of the Supplementary Hymnal Songs of Zion underwritted by the United Methodist Church. Completed in 1981 she still lectures on its contents.

In 1996 Verolga and the Intermezzo Choir recorded a CD and Cassette Tape, of her music entitled “Holy”. On Sunday, April 21, 1996, the manuscript book and tapes were released and presented to God. For the past 11 years Dr. Nix and Intermezzo Choir have sung Negro spirituals at a Slave Memorial Ceremony held on the George Washington Estate in Mt. Vernon, VA. The choir will participate again this year.

In 1999 She traveled to Egypt as conductor and Music Consultant for the Eastern College Choir of St. David’s, PA.

In 2000 Ms. Nix received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, with an emphasis on Sacred Music, from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC.

In 2004 Dr. Nix and resume is published in the Who’s Who Directory of Executives and Professionals.

In January 2007, Dr. Nix and Intermezzo Choir were invited, by Governor Edward Rendell, to sing for his Inaugural Ceremony and Gala. They sang an original composition of Dr. Nix entitled “PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA” especially arranged for the occasion.

In August 2007 Dr. Nix and Intermezzo Choir Ministry toured Europe for twelve days. They ministered in Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna, Austria, Bratislova and Italy. They were well received at each exchange and ministry.

On January 15, 2008 Dr. Nix was awardee of “THE LIBERTY BELL” at the Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration, by Colonel Deputy Commander Alexander Davis. The event was at the Naval Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia, where she accompanied singers and the audience on the Piano.

Dr. Nix is a member of the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia. She is organist for Ward A.M.E. Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Intermezzo Choir Ministry is her pride and joy. Her whole devotion to God and musical talents flow and is exemplified in and through this ministry.

GLORY TO GOD

THE INTERMEZZO CHOIR MINISTRY

This unique aggregation was formed by men and women from various churches who wanted to sing to the “Glory Of God”. These “specially selected” singers were auditioned by Dr. Nix and chosen after exemplifying a spirit of unity, a distinct individualized musical style and musicianship.

In November, 1967 they chose the name INTERMEZZO CHOIR. They have performed on TV and radio. Their repertory consists of Anthems, Patriotic songs, Gospel music and Negro Spirituals, done expressly for them by Dr. Verolga Nix.

In 1982, the choir sang Dr. Nix’s arrangement of The National Anthem for the 76ers Basketball game after having won a competition over 37 other performers; the same year they sang “Philadelphia” an original song by Dr. Nix at the City Council Committee meeting.

On April 21, 1996, a recorded CD, Cassette and manuscript book, the music of Dr. Nix, entitled “HOLY” was published and released. This effort was anointed. Intermezzo is noted for its unique arrangements of the Negro Spirituals.

They have sung for the last 10 years, at the Black Slave Memorial on George Washington’s Estate, Mt. Vernon, VA. This ceremony is sponsored by Black Women United For Action and the Mt. Vernon Ladies’ Assiciation; they also sang at the Ecumenical Service Commemorating Patriots of African Descent at the Valley Forge National Historic Park, Pennsylvania; the International Police Chiefs Convention in Philadelphia and was a guest choir honoring Patti LaBelle.

In December 2004, the choir opened the Christmas Program for the internationally renown group TAKE 6 at the Zellerbach Theater in Philadelphia. In 2005, a second CD entitled “ECHOES” was presented to God. The music consists of all Negro spirituals arranged for Intermezzo Choir by Dr. Nix.

On January 15, 2006, Intermezzo Choir Ministry was special guest for the Martin Luther King Memorial Service with the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale. From this union came another CD entitled “VOICES UNITED” which is now available. Intermezzo was the featured choir for the C. DeLores Tucker Memorial held in Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

In January, 2007, Intermezzo Choir sang, by special invitation of Governor Edward Rendell, at his Inaugural Ceremony and evening Gala in Harrisburg, PA.

In August 2007, the choir traveled to Europe to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song. They ministered in Nurnberg, Vienna, Salzburg, Bratislava and Italy. They were well received everywhere they raised their voices in song!

On January, 21, 2008, Intermezzo received the DRUM MAJOR AWARD, “VOICES OF FREEDOM” presented by the Martin LutherKing, Jr. Association President, William Tucker. Over the past decade, the "Voices Of Freedom" award has been given to: Dr. Sonia Sanchez, Rev. Wintley Phipps, Sister Sledge, Cicely Tyson, and Lisa Thomas-Laury. This event was held at a luncheon in the Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel.

September 11, 2008 - Intermezzo participated in a memorial for the victims of the 911 tragedy at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The concert also celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Black Women United For Action.

Intermezzo Choir Ministry looks forward to being “Ambassadors” for the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. God bless them as they foster “Brotherly Love” and “Sisterly Affection” here and abroad.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!