September Sings

A gospel/inspirational singer and songwriter, September Penn launched her first CD project in July 2009, following the release of her first single, “Hope for You” in February 2009. Her full project, an 11-song CD, also carries the title “Hope for You.” September, a native of Gretna, Va., is a communications studies graduate of Virginia Tech University. Originally she planned to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, but after a brief period as a TV reporter, she returned to her love of music, and gospel music in particular. Her interest in music began at early childhood while singing with family groups and at church. “I believe I came out of the womb singing,” September says. Her unique vocal talents – which range from soulful urban sounds and “down-home” church choruses to ballads and classical arrangements – have carried her across America and as far as China. She also has a knack for crafting gospel song lyrics. September co-wrote the words to gospel songs on her CD. Those who love to listen to gospel music, will enjoy her soulful songs. September performs as a regular member of the St. Petersburg cast of Langston Hughes’ BLACK NATIVITY, A Gospel Song Play. She also is a regular cast member of Stanford University Professor Clayborne Carson’s PASSAGES OF MARTIN LUTHER KING. She first began working with Carson while studying at Stanford University as a non-degree seeking student. Under the tutelage of vocal instructor of Stanford’s Mary Linduska, September received her first classical voice training. In June 2007, she performed in the international premiere of PASSAGES in Beijing, China, with the National Theater Company of China. As a member of PASSAGES’ musical ensemble and as one of its musical coordinators of the Beijing performance, September has seen her responsibilities grow with work on the play, which began while she studied at Stanford University as a non-degree seeking student. In addition to musical performances with PASSAGES, she has played the role of Dr. King’s mother, Alberta Bunch King, and most recently as Coretta Scott King in the February 2009 performance of the play at The Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg, FL. September has served as the worship leader at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, Fla., Abundant Life Community Church in Lanham, Md., and Abundant Grace Assembly in Roanoke, Va. Her other credits include singing with the Voices of Expression (Virginia Tech), Stanford Gospel Choir and the Stanford University Singers (Stanford University). She is the wife of Ivan Penn and the mother of Ivy, Isaiah and Immanuel, the role she loves best.