Gospel music is a music genre in Christian music. The creation, performance, significance and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context.
Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as entertainment. Coming out of the African American religious experience, gospel music can be traced to the early 17th century.
Gospel music has roots in the black oral tradition, and typically utilizes a great deal of repetition. The repetition of the words allowed those who could not read the opportunity to participate in worship. During this time, hymns and sacred songs were lined and repeated in a call and response fashion, and the Negro spirituals and work songs emerged. Repetition and “call and response” are accepted elements in African music, designed to achieve an altered state of consciousness we sometimes refer to as “trance,” and to strengthen communal bonds.
Many churches relied on hand clapping and foot stomping as rhythmic accompaniment. There might be guitars and tambourines available. In the early years most of the singing was done a cappella, that is, without musical accompaniment.
We will have “choir call” or open rehearsals, which are fun for the choir and a chance for prospective members to dip a toe in the water without committing themselves to anything.
We hope to have a diverse choir of singers from teenagers to senior adults, and singers from all races. The only requirements are an interest in singing gospel music, and the ability to sing. Our goal is to have a large choir so we our currently recruiting new choir members and hope to retain the members from the previous Diocese of Camden gospel choir.
Choir call is July 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Retreat House in Blackwood. All are invited.
James E. Andrews is director of Black Catholic Ministries and coordinator for the Racial Justice Commission.
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