Master Class for Women's Voices

Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon

"I love working with strong harmony singers. My choral sensibility is shaped by African American 19th century unaccompanied congregational singing tradition. In particular, I come out of a Southwest Georgia vocal tradition. I have worked very hard first with Caroline Foty, then Dr Catherine Roma, and Kabanya Vinson to make my compositions accessible through the medium of the printed score. What I do during a session is invite the singers to leave the score and let the song fly free into the room-- becoming much more than could ever be captured on the printed page. I am looking forward to creating this singing experience."

Bernice Johnson Reagon

The following works by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon have been chosen for the master class on Tuesday July 15 at 1:00. "Jubilee" (from Liberty or Death Suite, MUSE commission), "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round," (Freedom Singers, Civil Rights Movement) "I Be Your Water" (GALA III Seattle commission), and "I Remember, I Believe."

These works span a 35 year period of the composers output and illustrate a commitment to justice, love, memory, and gratitude. Take the time to study and learn these remarkable works to sing, in community, with other women at the master class. Dr. Reagon will coach the pieces and provide valuable information and techniques to enable singers to create the sound needed to deliver the diverse styles of the these music selections.

Take the opportunity to learn by doing, participating, making music that resonates to the core of your being.

Click to Download Music Files

• Jubilee PDF
• Jubilee MP3

• Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round PDF

• I Remember, I Believe PDF
• I Remember, I Believe MP3

• I Be Your Water PDF
• I Be Your Water MP3

Tuesday, July 15
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Hilton: Symphony Ballroom