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One Human Family Gospel Choirs proudly presents...


Praise, Protest, and Purpose:

A 3 Day Interactive Gospel Music Workshop

African American Spirituals contain some of the most powerful American poetry, and speak of God’s love for all mankind.  They reflect joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, personal struggles and dreams.  They have carried hidden messages about resistance and escape and continue to this day to testify to the resilience of the human spirit.  In the words of James Weldon Johnson, they speak the “group wisdom” and express the “group philosophy of life.”


This workshop is an interactive exploration into the heart of these folk hymns of Praise, Protest, and Purpose.


Let’s look at the Workshop Experience....


The History


This first module examines the significance of the Spirituals by recounting the historical development of these slave songs into forms of
Praise, Protest, and Purpose.  Weaving together a tapestry of recorded music, historical documentation, photographs, archival film footage,and live performance, the facilitator will relate the rich history of this sacred music and its function in preserving history, educating generations, protesting injustice and healing the wounds of racism.


Each participant will develop a working understanding of Spirituals, their evolution into Gospel Music, and how they have helped create and sustain a                 dynamic vision, not only for African Americans, but for people of all races and nations.



Singing By Rote 


Each singer will quickly learn the lyrics and parts to entire songs through the process of rote singing. The beauty of rote teaching is that a choir can be taught an arrangement and perform it by memory in a very short time without sheet music.  Oftentimes during this process the participants realize how little they use there memories...mind and body...to retain information.  It is also great for ear training.



Movement and Rhythmic Expression

Movement has always been a dynamic and integral component of the Gospel Choir Experience. Through a vibrant and interactive format, the participant will gain an understanding of the nature and purpose of movement and rhythmic expression within the context of a gospel choir.


Vocal Warm-up Exercises


In this module, the participants will explore their voices through a series of exercises designed to improve vocal freedom and diction, rhythm and tonality, and breath control. 



Understanding Appropriate Concert Presence


During performance it is very important to communicate the message of the music and connecting with the listeners.  In this module, the singers will be coached on stage presence and artistic presentation.


The final transition is the Concert Performance….


Now Let Us Sing ‘til The Power Of The Lord Comes Down


It’s now time to take the stage and share what you have learned in the workshop with your friends, family, and community in a public concert.


Download the full brochure here.