Building A Vocal Community - Vocal Workshop with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell 

Learn from one of most energetic & beloved workshop leaders ever to come to Cape May. Dr. Barnwell will envelop you in the joy of community through the music of the African-American vocal tradition, including calls and chants, spirituals, ring shouts, hymns, gospels, songs of the Civil Rights Movement, and songs of contemporary struggles.

Mostly, you will sing, but Ysaye also will bring her deep knowledge of the African American tradition to discussions about the songs' historical, social, and political contexts.  She will introduce you to the values embedded in the music, the role of cultural and spiritual traditions and rituals, ways in which leadership emerges and can be shared, and the nature of cultural response to struggle.

Dr. Barnwell was a member of the Grammy Award winning a capella ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock for 34 years.  She is a composer commissioned to create music for dance, choral groups, film and stage productions.