We all know African American Spirituals like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “We Shall Overcome.” Singing Spirituals together brings us hope out of hopelessness, power out of powerlessness. Where did these wonderful songs come from? How have they influenced American music in our time?
Traditional African cultures were full of music — songs for work, for family gatherings, for worship. Enslaved people of many different African cultures, brought to this country, created the work, family, and worship songs we today call Spirituals.
We’ll learn to sing Spirituals as they were composed, by ear. No music reading experience is required, just a willingness to sing! The community of Spiritual singers accepts all voices.
Instructor Susan Borg has been performing as a singer, teaching singing and directing choral groups for more than 50 years. As a member of the World Music a cappella group WomenSing, she enjoyed exploring the songs and cultures of our vast human family. For many years, Susan has been an enthusiastic student of Ysaye Barnwell, creator of the “Singing in the African American Tradition” workshops that inspire this class. Susan is currently the Choir Director at Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Damariscotta.