Come to the Gospel Extravaganza II and join the choir in learning, singing, and playing this African-American musical art form under the expert tutelage of Dr. Robert L. Jefferson at a free two-day workshop and concert at Mt. Olive AME Church in Butlertown near Worton on Friday October 7th and Saturday October 8th.
For the second year in a row in Kent County, the Gospel Extravaganza provides a chance for diverse communities on the Upper Shore to meet and sing together for the joy of it. Everybody’s invited. The men can sing “Don’t You Let Nobody Turn You ‘Round” while the women can counter with “That’s Enough.” All can harmonize together on such Gospel standards as “Perfect Praise,” “Peace in the Valley,” and “So Glad to Be Here.”
The event culminates in a free public concert sung and played by the workshop participants at 6 p.m. Saturday.
People of all ages and talents are welcome to participate, including singers of all voice types, pianists of intermediate to advanced skill level, and any other musicians who wish to lend their talent. Or just come and listen from the pews. We can almost guarantee you’ll soon be joining in.
As a bonus, there will be a 9 a.m. Saturday class by Dr. Jefferson on the historical background of gospel music. It also is free and open to the public.
The Gospel Extravaganza is sponsored by the Chester River Chorale and Mt. Olive AME Church with support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Artistic Insight and Margaret Herring Funds and the Kent County Arts Council. All events are at Mt. Olive AME Church which is at 24840 Lambs Meadow Road (Rte. 298) less than a mile west of Kent County High School in Worton.
Musicians and singers who want to participate are encouraged to pre-register by email to [email protected] or [email protected] (using a subject line such as “Gospel Workshop Mt. Olive AME”), or by calling 302-463-7154 and simply leaving your name and contact information. Those who want to sing in the concert should wear or bring “black and white” concert garb on Saturday.
Rooted in work songs and spirituals, traditional Gospel music uses call and response lyrics able to be quickly learned by ear. Some songs are slow and intense, but many invite hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and full-throated singing with close harmonies. All are part of the musical experience for the performers and audience alike.
You do not have to know how to read music. The melodies will be learned by ear. The lyrics will be written out, and you will pick them up as the song goes on.
Pianists and other instrument players will also learn the program by ear without printed music. Instrumental musicians should come to Mt. Olive AME Church on Friday at 6:00 p.m. to register, meet with Dr. Jefferson, listen to the programmed repertoire, and determine what music they wish to play. Singers should come at 7:00 p.m. Friday to register and stay for an introductory rehearsal which will end at 9 p.m. Candidates for solo parts will audition after the choir rehearsal. Sandwiches will be available for participants.
Registration reopens Saturday at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast available. After Dr. Jefferson’s lecture, the choir will rehearse from 10 a.m. to noon, and then break for a sandwich and fruit lunch available at the church. Rehearsals for singers and instrumentalists will continue in the afternoon until 4 p.m. when a full dinner—from baked chicken breast to peach cobbler— will be available at the church. The food service will be supported by free-will donations.
“We are excited and looking forward to welcoming all of Kent County and surrounding counties to come and learn to play and sing with us, and learn the history of gospel music” said Rev. Isaac D. Wilson, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, the event’s host.
“We are thrilled to partner again with Mt. Olive AME Church in bringing Dr. Robert Jefferson back to Kent County,” said Doug Cox, artistic director of the Chester River Chorale. “Last year’s Gospel Extravaganza was a wonderful high point in our season that brought the community together over a common love of Gospel music.”
Cox called Dr. Jefferson “a master teacher and performer who inspires others to dig deep, find their voice, and let it out with unbridled passion.” He stressed that no formal training or extensive preparation is required, “just the desire for community fellowship through music.”
Barbara in den Bosch says
Great article, Ben!