Beyoncé Ensemble Presents Epic Two-Night Signature Series Concert

The Berklee Beyoncé Ensemble, directed by faculty member Tia Fuller, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and former member of Beyoncé’s band, presents a monumental two-night Signature Series tribute to the singer's iconic Homecoming performance from the 2018 Coachella festival. The concerts take place Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16, at the Berklee Performance Center.

“I am so proud to showcase the multitude of student talent across the college and conservatory, all while paying tribute to one of the most important performers of our time,” Fuller said. “Beyoncé embodies hard work, dedication to one’s craft, and the constant ability to go exceedingly above and beyond the call of duty."

Fuller's ensemble captures the essence of historically Black college and university (HBCU) culture and aesthetics, and in celebration of HBCUs’ rich lineage of southern musical traditions, the program will feature intersections of New Orleans second line marches with Houston’s chopped-and-screwed hip-hop. The ensemble will explore the cross-pollination of different musical genres throughout the concert, complete with dancers, drum lines, horns, steppers, majorettes, and more.

"This four-part concert is reflective of Black excellence and what the HBCU aesthetic has represented in the educational, cultural, and musical community. Being a product and graduate of Spelman College, I experienced the deep cultural and residual value of attending an HBCU," Fuller said. "The roots of this excellence are extended to the Berklee community through the Beyoncé Ensemble. Every member of this group is etching into their greatness with this show, while refining the five basic principles of wisdom, humility, forgiveness, spirituality, and nurturing as life-sustaining tools, which they practice and stand upon daily."

The concert also celebrates the creation of a new program launching this fall, the Berklee/Spelman Exchange, that allows for students to experience the rich culture and deep heritage of each institution. "It is an honor to return back to my roots and see the students empowered not only by Beyoncé’s music but by the commitment, dedication, and perseverance that it takes to walk into the strength of their vision for themselves,” Fuller said.

This ensemble has taught me so much about live show production and, most importantly, what it takes to be a leader.

—Marlon Solomon, student and co-executive producer

The all-student production team behind the ensemble's Homecoming tribute includes creative administrator Anja Veterova, who conceptualized the idea for the show; musical director Malachi Lewis; assistant creative directors Keira Smith and Diamond Gray; and executive producers Marlon Solomon, Kirlisa Broxton, and Sarai Brown-Alexander, who is making a docuseries about the creation of the show. Recent graduates Demi Brown and Brandon Harris serve as faculty choreographer and vocal arranger, respectively.

“This ensemble has taught me so much about live show production and, most importantly, what it takes to be a leader," said Solomon. "I am so grateful for every member of the ensemble for their hard work and dedication towards putting on one of the biggest shows in Berklee history.... Our goal as an ensemble is to leave the audience inspired, empowered, and entertained.”

Berklee Beyoncé Ensemble: Homecoming takes place at 8:00 p.m. on April 15 and April 16. The Berklee Performance Center is located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. Admission is $15/$20 in advance, $20/$25 on the day of show, and $5/$10 day-of with a Berklee ID. This is a seated event. Tickets for night one and night two are available online and at the Berklee Performance Center box office.