International pianist instrumental in small school’s success

By Denise Crosby / The Beacon-News

I’m sitting here at my desk, fingers perched anxiously atop the computer keyboard, waiting for inspiration.

Nothing less will suffice when writing about Huntley Brown, an international Christian concert pianist who, whether he’s performing at Carnegie Hall, a peace summit in war-torn Belfast or a maximum security prison, has changed lives through the magic of his own fingers that dance with such passion across they keyboard of a piano.

Many of you are familiar with Brown. If you’ve heard his music or met the 53-year-old native Jamaican with the distinctive accent and wide smile over the decades he’s lived here in Aurora, you would not forget him.

But I’ll bet there are also plenty of readers who have no idea who I’m talking about. Except for a brief 2010 profile when Brown was inducted into the Fox Valley Hall of Fame, it’s been more than 15 years since we’ve done a story about him. So my guess is there are quite a few people unaware of the inspirational musician living among us.

I was delighted to be reacquainted with Brown about a week ago at the 40th anniversary dinner of channel 38/Total Living Network, the Christian broadcasting station that, until its move to Wolf’s Crossing in Plainfield, had its large studio off I-88 on Aurora’s far West Side. Brown’s performance at this anniversary gala – in particular his “How Great Thou Art” and “Lord’s Prayer” – produced so many standing ovations in the large room I’m not sure why the hundreds of guests bothered to sit down.

Seated close enough to the piano to watch every move of his elegant but explosive hands, I considered throwing my own hands to the heavens at one point and letting Jesus know that if he took me home right then and there, I’d be perfectly content to cross those pearly gates before my designated time.

The good news is, if you’ve never met this man or been inspired by his music, you will get that chance when he performs a benefit concert for Covenant Christian School at 6 p.m. March 25 in the auditorium of West Aurora High School.

I’m sitting here at my desk, fingers perched anxiously atop the computer keyboard, waiting for inspiration.

Nothing less will suffice when writing about Huntley Brown, an international Christian concert pianist who, whether he’s performing at Carnegie Hall, a peace summit in war-torn Belfast or a maximum security prison, has changed lives through the magic of his own fingers that dance with such passion across they keyboard of a piano.

You may not know much about Covenant either, another hidden gem in the community.
The small Christian school, with its almost 100 students from preschool to eighth-grade, went through some rough years after the recession hit, but has emerged stronger than ever; in large part because of Brown’s impressive faith and far-reaching clout.

The nondenominational school, founded in 1979 by a small group of parents, had been operating under Aurora Community Church until that congregation closed in 2009. Faced with rising rent, delinquent utility bills and a $70,000 debt, Covenant had all but decided to disband when Brown, whose four daughters were students at Covenant, requested that the school be turned over to him.

Brown laughs when he recalls his wife Annette’s response: “Have you lost your mind?” she asked.

But Brown, praying for spiritual guidance and strength, feels that strongly about the importance of quality Christian education. And it wasn’t long before the faithful were answered: A new location was almost immediately found at Westminster Presbyterian Church at the corner of Edgelawn Drive and Galena Boulevard; a streamlined budget allowed financial breathing room; and yes, some impressive donations came in after Brown used his name – and that persuasive smile, no doubt – to help the cause.

This concert — free to the public but donations are accepted – has become an annual and integral part of the school’s ongoing mission to not only keep its doors open but continue to grow as it has in recent years. A large portion goes to scholarships that make it possible for low-income families to enroll. And even though a STEM program and El Sistema music program have been added, Principal Phil Lundquist says the board would like to expand its preschool, add special education opportunities and eventually, as enrollment climbs, move to its own building.

“We have momentum,” he said, “and we want to continue to see the school grow.”

No doubt Brown, who resigned as chairman after the crisis abated but joined the board again last year, is instrumental in this school’s success.

“He’s got the name and he’s got the passion,” said current board Chairman Bob Mack of the pianist’s unique ability to draw attention to the school.

Working with the Graham Association, and other ministries, the tall, amiable Brown has performed in more than 100 countries around the world, including Russia, South Korean, China, Palestine, South Africa, Ukraine and Israel. In 2011 he was the featured pianist at Carnegie Hall with the World Milal Symphony; but he’s also performed in churches of all sizes and denominations across the U. S, — from the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California, to Willow Creek Community Church to Big Rock Baptist, right here in Kane County. An ordained minister, he also teaches seminars on music and worship; and was a lecturer and performer at the First International Gospel Music Festival in Italy. However, he says, one of his career highlights was a personal performance in the home of Billy Graham and his wife Ruth.

While he’s cut back his world-wide tours in recent years to devote more time to family, Brown says he still travels three weekends out of the month. In May he will be featured at an international faith-based summit in Washington, D.C. “More than you ever know,” he said, “people are searching, hungry, looking for answers.” And that includes, he added, helping their kids navigate an ever-increasingly complicated society.

The children’s choir will perform at this free concert that is under the direction of music teacher Justina Hasulube. as will the school’s Covenant Singers. While Huntley may be the headliner, he doesn’t sell his back-ups at this musical event at West High short. “I’ve worked with choirs worldwide,” he said. “This group is phenomenal.”

By the way, Brown’s background – he earned degrees from Judson University and Northern Illinois University but said he learned to play by ear on an old rat- and roach-infested piano the convent nuns in Jamaica sold his mother for $50 – is as compelling as his music. And you can learn more about both by Googling his name. Still, I can personally assure you, hearing him play “The Lord’s Prayer” or “How Great Thou Art” may move you, but nothing will impact you like listening in person to this man “worship” – and I mean that word in the truest sense – at the piano.

“I love my audiences and will go anywhere I am called,” he said. “But I play only for an audience of one.”

Dcrosby@tribpub.com

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-huntley-brown-st-0319-20170317-column.html