The Black Sacred Music Symposium, presented by the University of Illinois Black Chorus, was founded by Dr. Ollie Watts Davis in 1991. This four-day, biennial conference is dedicated to the study of Black Sacred Music traditions. The conference provides participants with methods necessary to expand both their performance of the music and understanding of its message. Participants learn from a distinguished faculty of musicians and perform with them in the classroom and in concert. Seminar topics range from the history and development of African American sacred music traditions, including congregational singing, folk and concert spirituals, metered and improvised hymns, anthems, and traditional gospel expressions, to choral decorum, choral conducting, and vocal and instrumental techniques. In creating the curriculum for this conference, Dr. Davis envisioned an intensive training forum for university students and a continuing education opportunity for members of the community. Symposium attracts participants from across the nation and have been recognized as viable experiences in the teacher certification process. Registration closes on February 6, 2023. However, due to space restrictions, we ask that you register for Symposium as soon as possible. You may use the links below to complete your registration, and purchase tickets! Symposium Registration (Feb. 16-19, 2023): https://go.illinois.edu/STANDARDblackchorus
