Seminar on African American Spirituals and Gospel Music in Worship

African American Spirituals and Gospel Music in Worship: Workshop Overview

This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of African American spirituals and gospel music, focusing on their historical context, musical characteristics, and profound impact on worship and culture.

Event Details:

· Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025

· Time: 9:00 AM - noon. A light breakfast will be served.

· Location: Grace Episcopal Church - Goochland

· Cost: The workshop is free to attend.

· RSVP Deadline: Please RSVP by August 11, 2025, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seminar-on-african-american-spirituals-and-gospel-music-in-worship-tickets-1458535812879?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Key Highlights:

· Clinician: Led by Dr. Roy L. Belfield, Jr., an internationally recognized sacred music composer, organist, and Director of Choirs at Goucher College. His biography can be viewed at goucher.edu/faculty/roy-belfield

Also, a video recording of Dr. Belfield in recital can be viewed at

· Historical Roots & Origins: Delve into the origins of spirituals during slavery, their role in resilience, and their evolution through the Great Awakening. Understand the historical context and foundational elements of both spiritual and gospel music.

· Gospel Music's Rise and Influence: Trace the emergence of gospel music in the early 20th century, influenced by blues and jazz, and its development within the Black church.

· Musical Characteristics & Authentic Performance: Understand the defining features of spirituals and gospel, including call and response, improvisation, syncopation, melisma, and vibrato. Explore and learn authentic performance techniques for both genres.

· Lyrical Themes: Explore the powerful messages within spirituals, including hope, liberation, and coded communication.

· Key Figures: Learn about pioneers like Thomas A. Dorsey ("Father of Gospel Music") and Mahalia Jackson. Special attention will also be given to Virginia-born composers such as Dr. Undine Smith Moore and Phillip Barnette McIntyre.

· Gospel Styles: Discover the diversity of gospel music, from traditional and contemporary to choir and quartet styles.

· Interactive Learning: Engage in group singing, lyrical analysis, and discussions on vocal techniques and expressive delivery. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate and learn various performance styles of spiritual and gospel music.

· Strategies for Worship Integration: Explore practical approaches and techniques for effectively incorporating spirituals and gospel music into contemporary worship services.

· Target Audience: Ideal for church musicians, choir members, worship leaders, and anyone passionate about the heritage of Black sacred music.

Workshop Conclusion & Integration:

· The workshop will conclude with an integration of the music and teachings during the 10:00 AM worship service at Grace Episcopal Church Goochland on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Grace Episcopal Church, 2955 River Road West, Goochland, United States