Elegance dominated Crowell Lansing Hall the evening of Thursday, March 24. “Be Inspired” was the theme of the week, in honor of National Women’s History Month.

People of all ages from Biola and the surrounding community gathered to enjoy a quality jazz concert featuring alumna Judith Hill.

Biola Vocal Jazz directed by Shawna Stewart, and the Jazz Quintet directed by Rique Pantoja, accompanied Hill for a showcase of songs, ranging from “You are My Sunshine” to Ray Charles’ “Georgia” to several of Hill’s original songs.

Hill began music career at Biola

Hill studied with John Browning of Biola’s Conservatory of Music, and graduated in 2005 with a degree in music composition, which served as a catalyst for this now world-renowned composer and artist.

Hill found her motivation while studying at Biola. “Being here really set my foundation, both spiritually and musically,” Hill said. “I made really great friends while I was here too.”

Being back on this familiar campus, Hill recounted several feelings and memories. “It feels nostalgic,” she said. “It’s very refreshing to be back.”

Performance a benefit for Japan

The performance also served as a benefit concert to raise funds for Japan through Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope, largely inspired by Hill’s Japanese heritage.

Hill wrote the song titled, “For My Sister,” with Japanese pop star Ai. Both share the commonality of a bi-racial background, and wrote the song together as a “representation of their sisterhood,” said Jenna Bartlo, Biola media relations coordinator.

Hill performed the song Thursday evening in light of the tragedy in Japan, saying that her thoughts and prayers were with the people there.

“I sing this in honor of Japan and of Ai,” Hill said.

A verse of the song says, “When you need a helpin’ hand, I’ll be there for my sister… and it doesn’t matter where you are. You can never be too far. I’ll be there for my sister.”

“We had over 400 people there,” Bartlo said, “and raised over $1,000 for [CRASH].”

Hill experiences life on the road

Upon graduating from and leaving Biola, Hill began touring with French pop star Michel Polnareff.

“It lasted about a year,” Hill said. “I built a network and met a lot of people.” It was through this network that Hill said she was eventually hired by Michael Jackson and began preparing for his “This Is It” tour.

“We had really intense rehearsals because we had so much to do,” Hill said. “[Michael] was so kind, kind of shy and goofy at times, but a joy to work with.”

Due to Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009, the tour was cancelled.

Hill connected with Michael Jackson

Hill is featured in the “This Is It” movie documenting Jackson’s life, which was released on October 28, 2009.

During Jackson’s memorial service, Hill sang the lead in the song “Heal the World.”
This is when the world first created a buzz about Hill.

It is estimated that over one billion people all over the world viewed the memorial service, according to various news sources.

Biola posted the story about Hill’s tie to the university, and it instantly became Biola’s number one news story that year, according to manager of university events, Victoria Smith.

Remaining rooted in faith

In the midst of the fortune and fame, Hill’s roots are deep in the Lord.

“Everywhere you go, you wear your faith,” Hill said. “When you have the Holy Spirit, when you have that core, it doesn’t falter.”

No matter what major, what classes you’re in or what you’re studying, Hill encourages Biola:

“Soak it up. It’s what shapes you…Soak up the serenity, those peaceful places on campus,” Hill said.

“Once you leave, you have to be a lot more intentional.”