Do Negro spirituals have a place in my church?
This hands-on workshop provides strategies to incorporate spirituals into congregation and church choir repertoires, and presents seminal works, key composers, and historic recordings to illustrate compositional and performance practices. Genres that grew out of the spirituals are also be discussed, including hymn composition begun around 1900, and the quartet and historic Gospel traditions begun around 1930. Vocal technique, diction, authenticity, and other practical matters are addressed in an open forum designed to confront apprehensions and eradicate misconceptions. Participants are introduced to a range of resources available for further learning.
Genithia Hogges
Genithia L. Hogges is a music teacher, choral conductor, singer, pianist, and flutist. From Harvard University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature (English and Spanish) and a Master of Education in arts in education. She also holds a Master of Arts in music with a specialization in historical musicology from Boston University. She has taught English, general music, instrumental ensemble, chorus, gospel choir, and close-harmony/a cappella gospel ensemble at the middle, high school, and college levels. She has also conducted adult community choirs and church choirs. As a workshop facilitator, she has developed programs related to the African American sacred music tradition for Massachusettspublic schools in Lynn, Boston, and Newton. She has sung in operas and as a featured soprano soloist in the area.