Singing in the African American Tradition – Ysaye Barnwell

Singing in the African American Tradition – Ysaye Barnwell

“There is an awesome power in the human voice and when uncommon voices are blended for the common good, they become a ‘vocal community’ at its best.” – Ysaye M. Barnwell

Start building a vocal community with these extraordinary vocal lessons. They can be used by individuals, friends, choirs, church, camp and community groups of any background who want to enjoy this unique and uplifting singing tradition. As Ysaye says: “A willingness to sing is all that is required.”

You’ll learn the melodies, harmonies, rhythms and counter-melodies to seventeen traditional songs from African American culture, including spirituals, ring shouts, hymns, gospels, and songs from the civil rights movement. For each song that is taught, you’ll hear the full multi-part arrangement before Ysaye breaks out the lead line or melody; then the melody is sung in relation to each of the harmony parts – with soprano, tenor and bass demonstrated separately so you can choose your part and practice singing along.

Ysaye’s masterful renditions of each song, along with her detailed instruction, will be thrilling and inspiring for singers and listeners alike.

Songs include: Rainforest Chant; Kyrie Elison; Ise Oluwa; Roll, Jordan, Roll; Jacob’s Ladder; All Night, All Day; Way Over in Beulah Lan’; Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down; Lawd I Done Done; Anchor By and By; Honor, Honor; Tedious and Tasteless; My Ship; I Am Determined; Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody and more!