Summer Gospel Performance Program Explores Roots of Style
04/06/2022
By
Lesley OConnell
June 3, 2022
Berklees inaugural Gospel Performance Program will launch this summer.
Image by Omari Spears
While a student at Berklee, Jonathan Singleton B.M. '87 discovered gospel music when he was given the opportunity to sub as a pianist for his peer Cyrus Chestnut '85 at New Hope Baptist Church in Boston. Singleton got hooked and soon became immersed in Boston's gospel scene, learning from musicians and peers Dennis Montgomery '88, Mark Copeland B.M. '04, and George Russell Jr. That passion has continued to grow: Today he is the musical director for saxophonist Andr Ward, minister of music for the Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, musical director of Sharing a Song Community Chorus, and director of the Mystic Chorale Gospel concerts.
Now hes brought that passion full circle back to Berklee. Singleton, an assistant professor in the Ensemble Department, is the program director for Berklee's Gospel Performance Program, a new summer program-set to launch August 15-19 under the auspices of Emmett G. Price III, dean of Africana Studies-for young instrumentalists and vocalists both new to and familiar with gospel. The following is an excerpt of a conversation with Singleton about the upcoming five-day summer program, the importance of understanding the roots and evolution of the gospel tradition, and how gospel informs other styles.
Jonathan Singleton
Can you tell me about your connection to gospel music? All musical genres have sort of an emotional appeal and emotional impact, but gospel personally just had a real power to connect with me on an emotional level. As a musician, I could appreciate the harmony and technique involved, but more importantly, on a real emotional and spiritual level, the music really spoke to me.
Tell me more about this emotional and spiritual connection. Gospel transcends the technique required to play an instrument. It's more about communicating your lived experience in a real immediate way. The most important thing is singing what you believe; your faith and your lived experience are just as important as your technique on your instrument.
How can studying gospel apply to other genres and vice versa? You'll find elements of all kinds of styles in gospel: from rock to jazz and jazz harmony to blues and folk. Filtered through the church experience and the African American Black experience, all those styles still come out as gospel. We cast a wide net when we talk about stylistic influences of gospel, which is accessible to people, no matter what style of music they bring. There's room under the gospel umbrella for everyone, so if you're a folk musician or a rocker but you're interested in this music, you can learn the things that are unique to gospel. You can take the things you already know from your style and incorporate them to still have an authentic experience; if you take the time to understand the origins of gospel, what it really is and where it comes from, then you can integrate as opposed to appropriate.
This program is special because the music itself is special.
Jonathan Singleton
What does the integration of gospel bring to other styles? These days you'll find a lot of contemporary gospel artists using a lot of rock rhythms or rock chords. You'll also find lots of really interesting jazz harmonies and lots of really exciting rhythmic interplay in gospel music. You'll find the composition of gospel songs is at a very high level. Not just the simple chord progressions that we used to associate with gospel but really advanced and involved harmonies. The ability to sing over and perform over these advanced harmonies was usually something that was just the provenance of jazz, but now you really hear gospel singers really sing over changes and musicians who can play over changes really effectively.
Have You Heard: Gospel Music
Listen to Jonathan Singletons curated gospel playlist.
What can students expect from the program? It will be a very exciting week of really being immersed in gospel, presentations on the culture of gospel music so you can understand its roots and how it impacts current gospel music performance. They can expect to learn about the gospel music industry and the business and how they can become involved in it, as well as instruction on their instrument. It's for all levels-from the beginner who's never studied gospel before, to begin to understand and perform gospel, to the more advanced musician, to take their art to the next level.
What does a typical day look like? You might start the morning with our culture of music class with visiting scholar-in-residence Teresa Hairston, and move forward into some presentations by Berklee faculty and gospel musicians including Mark Copeland, Dennis Montgomery, and Nichelle Mungo who will present an aspect of gospel that they are particularly adept at. Then students will break out into smaller ensembles based on their instrument and get more focused directed instruction on how to perform gospel on their instrument. And finally, we will culminate each day with a master class with our visiting guest artist, Kurt Carr.
The Gospel Performance Program is geared toward both vocalists and instrumentalists.
Image by Omari Spears
What makes this program special? This program is special because the music itself is special. Gospel is a very important part of American music and a kind of art form that needs to be taken seriously and understood. You can come as you are and come out with a deeper understanding and a great ability to perform gospel, so the uniqueness of this program is that it's accessible to everyone. It'
LINK: | https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/summer-gospel-performance-pro... |
See more stories from berklee |
More from Berklee
28/03/2024
Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Huntington
Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night'...
27/03/2024
15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols
15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols Listen to iconic Latin musicians across genres in this playlist and read about how they've influenced Berklee st...
22/03/2024
Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berklee on the Road Program
Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berkle...
19/03/2024
What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon
What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon The story of the dembow beat, which can be found in reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, and far beyond, speaks t...
19/03/2024
Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architecture
Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architec...
19/03/2024
Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics
Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics The 39th edition of the program will be held from July 9-21. By Callista Chan March 21, 2024 Ima...
14/03/2024
Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment Industry
Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment...
14/03/2024
BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17
BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17 The Berklee Popular Music Institute will showcase performances from six rising stars who ...
08/03/2024
Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature
Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature The Signature Series concert honors the King of Pop, surveying the entirety of his iconic career. ...
07/03/2024
Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With
Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With Since The Way It Is, the visionary songwriter has made his mark on so many genres. His latest, Deep Se...
06/03/2024
Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar
Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar The clarinetist from Iran talks about discovering a love for Iranian classical music and how coming to Berklee has allo...
02/03/2024
Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024
Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024 Registration is open now through April 11. By Colette Greenstein March 1, 2024 Students perform at Berklee...
01/03/2024
Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj
Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj The vocalist, konnakol beatboxer, and percussionist reflects on his musical journey from Oman to India and beyond, and how ...
01/03/2024
Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval
Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval Berklee will recognize the Cuban-American legend's legacy and impact on jazz and Latin music. ...
28/02/2024
Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof
Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof This issue takes a deep dive into how a Boston Conservatory education lays the foundation for futu...
28/02/2024
40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates
40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates Professors Lil John Roberts and Mimi Jones, part of the team leading the upcoming Michael Jackson ...
27/02/2024
The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol
The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol Berklee alum Colescott Rubin and his brother, current student A.J., rode unicycles and sang about lov...
24/02/2024
Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs
Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs SAMMUS, DJ Troy Frost, and DJ WhySham are among featured guest speakers for th...
22/02/2024
Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educator Joel Ross
Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educa...
17/02/2024
Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao
Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao The video for Neopet features choreography by commercial dance major Sofia ...
17/02/2024
Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations
Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations A total of $25,000 will be distributed amongst the Boston-based nonprofits. By Co...
14/02/2024
Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Education
Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Educa...
14/02/2024
Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education
Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education The chair of Berklee's Music Education Department will serve as NAfME's...
14/02/2024
Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A Celebration of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A...
09/02/2024
Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall
Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall Boston Conservatory Orchestra will showcase works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Margaret Bonds, Valerie Coleman, and ot...
09/02/2024
Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards
Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards Carla Patullo, Gracie Laboy, and MT Aditya Srinivasan took home awards on musics biggest night. Febr...
09/02/2024
Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Berklee President
Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Ber...
07/02/2024
Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists
Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists The third annual event will focus on essential music business principles that enable creatives...
06/02/2024
Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Student Works
Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Stud...
05/02/2024
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards Laufey, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Miguel Zen n, and Carla Patullo were among the winners of musi...
02/02/2024
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have received th...
01/02/2024
Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser
Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser The annual dance competition exceeded fundraising goals, fully endowing a new Dance Divisio...
01/02/2024
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have re...
31/01/2024
Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initiative
Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initia...
27/01/2024
Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo
Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo The entertainment legend was joined by performing arts industry leaders from Broadway t...
27/01/2024
Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership
Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership The two organizations signed a student credit transfer agreement in January 20...
26/01/2024
Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert
Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert The virtuosic foursome will visit the college for a weeklong residency, culminat...
24/01/2024
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert The Signature Series event will commemorate the life and artistry of the late Wayne Shorter. ...
20/01/2024
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and Learning Capsule
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and...
19/01/2024
Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album
Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album On So She Howls, the film composer, songwriter, and alum guides listeners through a cycle of h...
17/01/2024
Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Pand...
12/01/2024
Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls
Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls Francesca Castro and Matilde Heckler bring Band Freak energy to the cinematic version of Tina ...
11/01/2024
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month This powerful performance, featuring Anita Hill reciting the words of Martin Luther King Jr., wil...
05/01/2024
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yatra Scholarship
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yatra Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...
22/12/2023
The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists
The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists Behind the mic, at the boards, or in the band, Berklee artists made some of the year's best music in ...
21/12/2023
Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023
Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023 From AI in the classroom to music licensing 101, 50 years of hip-hop to the next great American jam band, take a look at...
19/12/2023
Student Spotlight: Yamur Soydemir
Student Spotlight: Ya mur Soydemir The Berklee graduate student discusses her greatest inspirations, her love of ultimate frisbee, and the process of reworkin...
16/12/2023
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yarta Scholarship
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yarta Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...
15/12/2023
Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song
Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song Mike Sempert recently released Hold On to the Light, a catchy track with a sincere message about what it me...
14/12/2023
Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee
Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee The college's first woman tres player discusses the instrument's distinctive so...