Afro-American Studies 293N - S-Voices/New Africa House

A mixed-voice choral music class celebrating two methods of teaching: by ear to perform a cappella and by sheet music containing arrangements for 4-part harmony with piano accompaniment. Learn to sing material from the African-American song-style canon. We will study and perform music created in the 17, 18 and 19th centuries beginning with creations by slaves in the United States through the 20 and 21st century?s contemporary sounds. Other genres we will explore come under the umbrella of blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, funk and folk music. Additionally, we will explore compositions from many European masters. In other words, we will learn to perform songs from around the world.

Expand your range and expression and become more confident in performance. Understand proper vocal delivery based on the genre in a number of tempos. Learn proper phrasing, riffing, shouting, scale patterns, rhythmic articulation and much more. Make your voice more powerful while diminutive upon demand.