Outreach
The “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation exists to guard and preserve the heritage, beauty and grace of a uniquely American art form: the spiritual arranged for solo voice and piano. To achieve this goal we focus on cultural development by reaching out to provide opportunities for learning to our young people, to music professionals, and to the public. Perhaps you are affiliated with a group that would like to hear and learn more about this art form through one of our education programs.
Vocalists-on-Tour
The young singers who win a GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE become ambassadors for the “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation’s mission, and dedicate long hours to learning, studying, practicing, and performing on our behalf. Proud as we are of their accomplishments, we are delighted whenever others can also experience and appreciate such extraordinary talent. Our touring program allows us to present our vocalists to audiences large and small in communities everywhere. They have made appearances in private homes, for convention or conference events, before civic groups, in church settings, for school programs, and with symphonies and choruses on concert stages. Presenting a GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE vocalist is one sure way to enhance your special gathering or event. To inquire about arranging for a tour appearance please contact our Music & Education Director at ewashington@negrospiritual.org.
The 2nd Sabbath/Sunday Spirituals Program
The “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation is working to secure the place of spirituals in our worship life while offering both educational and performance resources to member congregations. Our 2nd Sabbath/Sunday Spirituals program is very simple: Liturgical music planners at our member churches should include one Negro spiritual or more in the order of service on the second Sabbath or Sunday of each month, provided the scriptural references or liturgical themes make it appropriate to do so. We can assist you by supplying lists of titles and arrangements for solo and ensemble singing, by sharing information and suggestions about music that is appropriate for special times and occasions, by holding workshops with your musicians, or even making a visit to your congregation on occasion.
To print an application please click the pdf to the right. 2ndsabbath/sunday.pdf
Speakers/Presenters Bureau
The place of the Negro spiritual song in the history of America and in world culture is a topic of great fascination to many. Moving through time from the African continent to slavery’s cabins, fields and plantation houses, from church sanctuaries to the choir rooms of schools, from sing-ins at freedom marches to recitals on concert stages, the spiritual has brought along with it rich stories of the African-American experience. Speakers from our organization are available to share insight about the impact of this cultural and musical phenomenon with all audiences, using live or recorded music, memorable dialogue and helpful print materials. To inquire about arranging for a speaker/presenter please contact Rudolph Cleare at rucleare@negrospiritual.org.
