Workshop — From Africa to America: The Roots of the Spiritual

On November 12, from 12:30-4, Charles Mays, Jr. will inspire, teach, and lead in an afternoon sure to be both fun and thought-provoking.   Our explorations will start in the varied historical sources, including some that may be surprising, and will reach their end in the global music of today. Far from a sterile lecture, this will be an opportunity to immerse in the music itself through singing, listening, questioning, humming, clapping, stomping, and possibly shouting with transcendent joy. The spiritual has been a vehicle used to claim “personhood” by a people who were considered less than animals, and today its modes, rhythms, and forms find themselves used as a key core of western music.  We hope that you will join us as we touch our inner light and “let it shine”.

 Charles is a fantastic singer (3 seasons at the Marlboro Music Festival, and the regional winner of the Metropolitan Young Artist Award), and an even more engaging teacher and human being.  As a doctoral student at the Hartt College of Music, he explored the origins of the Middle Passage Spiritual for his doctoral thesis. As a recitalist, he has performed a variety of programs of spirituals, and feels passionate about this uniquely American folk music.

 Please note: YOU NEED NOT BE A  “SINGER”  or have any musical experience in order to participate and enjoy!  The suggested donation for the afternoon is $40 (and includes refreshments) — however participants may pay whatever they are able. Everyone is welcome!