This adult education class is presented by the St. John’s Music Ministry, and will address activism in the arts, specifically the representation of Black voices in the arts community. The class will have a different focus weekly (descriptions below) and will be held at 6:00 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4999437474?pwd=S2QyQ2pxa2U0UXp3ZmJBNGt4cUFYdz09
Passcode: 1829
Click above to join the meeting, or call (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 499 943 7474
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October 13 – Avis Berry
Topic: How do we keep culture relevant for children?
Avis Berry will discuss what can be done in the classroom to connect kids to culture (their own and others), how to teach empathy, resilience, and growth mindset, and why it is important for this generation. Ms. Berry will also talk about adversity she has experienced in her professional life as an educator and a musician, and why it is important to be present in underrepresented fields.
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October 20 – Reggie Mobley
Topic: “Nigra Sum,” or “I Am Black”
A look at the long standing barriers of bias, inequality, and microaggressions that exist within the classical music community. Through a music rich presentation, Countertenor Reggie Mobley will look at the community through the perspective of People of Color, identify some of the problems, and engage in discussion where we can consider and introduce actionable steps to make the arts community, and the nation as a whole, more equitable for everyone.
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October 27 – Dr. Jeffery Ames
Topic: More Than Spirituals and Gospel: Choral Music in the Western European Tradition by Contemporary African American Composers
A typical discussion of Black music will immediately bring to mind the obvious idiomatic styles: jazz, blues, soul, gospel, and spirituals. Dr. Ames will discuss the significant choral contributions made by Black composers whose respected works are in the Black non-idiomatic, or Western European tradition.