Memorial and celebration of life service set for Bernard Woma

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held in honor of Bernard Woma, a teacher, mentor and friend of the School of Music and a Fredonia graduate, on Saturday, Sept. 29, a 1 p.m., at Mason Hall.

The service will begin in front of Mason, with prayers, pouring of libation, unveiling of a memorial stone and comments from Fredonia President Virginia Horvath. Eulogies will be offered by Mr. Woma’s sons, Bismark and Julius Woma, with comments and music from those who knew him to follow.

A master of the Ghanaian “gyil” xylophone, Woma was artistic director of the Saakumu Dance Troup, a leading traditional/contemporary dance and music group in Ghana, West Africa. Woma, who passed away on April 27, was affiliated with the School of Music faculty, first as a guest artist and then adjunct instructor for 15 years, and earned a B.S. in International Studies at Fredonia in 2008.

In case of inclement weather, the event will still begin outside, in front of Mason, and then move to Room 1080.