This session will take attendees on an immersive and engaging journey to look at teaching African American Spirituals in a new way. Spirituals have been a part of our musical landscape for decades. Their texts, rhythms, melodies, and embodied movements combine to create unique musical experiences reflective of their West African and European roots. They tell enduring and empowering stories of hope, jubilation, and perseverance, and by focusing on those overarching musical narratives, choral directors can culturally translate this timeless genre to modern musical stages. During this session, attendees will engage in enhanced musical storytelling through movement, singing, and critical reflection to learn some effective tools for connecting students and audiences of all backgrounds with the cultural symbols embedded within the music.
Target Audience
Middle and High School Choir
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Michelle Gibson
California State University, Long Beach
Dr. Michelle Z. Gibson serves as the Assistant Professor for Choral Music Education at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in Music Education from the University of Florida and completed undergraduate music education study at the University of Georgia. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Gibson has experience teaching in a variety of educational settings, including elementary and secondary general music and middle school choir. During her time as a music educator in Georgia, Dr. Gibson maintained active leadership roles, serving as the Secondary Choral Music Chair and a member of the Curriculum Writing Team for the DeKalb County School District, as well as a founding member of the Diversity and Inclusion committee of the Georgia Music Educators Association. Dr. Gibson’s research interests include diversity, equity, inclusion and access within music education, culturally responsive music pedagogy, African American Spiritual pedagogy, and music teacher education.