October 7-10, 2005 (Friday-Monday)
This workshop is a whole lot of fun. We’ll develop a community through the vehicle of music from the African-American vocal tradition, including calls and chants, spirituals, ring shouts, hymns, gospels, songs of the Civil Rights Movement, and songs of contemporary struggle. Mostly we’ll sing, but we will also discuss the songs’ historical, social, and political context. The group will explore, from an African-American world-view, the values embedded in the music. We’ll also explore the role of spiritual traditions and rituals and the nature and influence of cultural responses on political and social struggles.
This long holiday weekend gives us an extra day to be with Ysaye, one of the most energetic and beloved workshop leaders ever to come to Rowe. On Saturday and Sunday evenings there may be films, discussions related to African American song tradition, and our guests may be asked to lead a song or give brief impromptu performances; it’s hard to know at press time, but we look forward to the extended period of being with someone who’s been steeped in this tradition all her life. The only requirements are a willingness to sing as fully as one can and a willingness to embrace joy. No prior musical experience is necessary and all are welcome, but sign up soon, this retreat fills up early. The extra day costs an extra $80.
Ysaye M. Barnwell is a dynamic, multifaceted woman who holds a doctorate in speech pathology, has completed postdoctoral studies in public health, and was a professor at Howard University College of Dentistry for 13 years. Since 1979 she has performed and recorded with the internationally renowned a capella quintet, Sweet Honey in the Rock, composing some of the group’s most popular songs. She appears on 20 recordings with various artists, has composed music for Sesame Street and many other projects, is an actress, and an infectiously delightful human being whose workshops here are much anticipated and loved.