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An Open Letter from Lawrence "Larry" Watson To read the letter, click here. Martha’s Vineyard NAACP Spiritual Choir The Martha’s Vineyard NAACP Spirituals Choir is an educational performing group that showcases songs of the African American Slaves. These pre-civil war songs were communication devices that included codes as a safe means of sharing information not understood by the master. It is ironic that these slave songs were born out of the language of the White church. The authentic slave songs are truly North American Folk Songs, as none were composed. All of them came prior to the end of the Civil War with the exception of a handful which celebrated the Emancipation of Slavery in 1865. The Caller-response style was adopted from the African tradition of conveying history, current events, directions, and stories. Other common characteristics of the Spirituals can also be traced back to the African experience--the predominance of minor keys and the layer text tapestry of multiple rhythms and multiple texts. To the surprise of many, Spirituals were not intended to be religious--however, religious themes were safe because they misled slave owners. Messages to and about people were embedded into the verses. The same characters and symbols reappeared in numerous Spirituals because they were intended to depict or convey similar information. The Spirituals in today's program can be separated into different categories: call for gatherings; the crossing; descriptions of slavery; The Underground Railroad; religious; the Emancipation; and after the Civil War concert arrangements. History of the NAACP Spirituals Choir The Spirituals Choir was formed in May 2006, under the gifted direction of James Thomas, and given successful performances across Martha’s Vineyard, Connecticut and New York. Slavery in the United States must be recognized for its shared history--owners and slaves and the intertwined relationships. The composition of the Spirituals Choir is reflective of this shared history, racially inclusive and diverse. Our goal is to reach as many audiences as possible to share these rich stories and to keep this legacy alive. Performances/ Fund Raisers Katrina Victims First United Methodist Church, CT Amistad Celebration Baptist Church, NY Polly Hill Arboretum Preservation Society Feather Stone Art Center Juneteenth Celebration Performances (click to view) Humble [Quicktime] [MoviePlayer] Oh Freedom Over Me [Quicktime] [MoviePlayer] Nobody Knows The Trouble I See [Quicktime] [MoviePlayer] |
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