The origins of American music can be traced back to the early religious folk songs sung by enslaved Africans upon arriving to North America in 1619. The concertized arrangements of these folk songs/Negro spirituals emerged in the 1900s with adaptations by Harry Burleigh. Many composers today have drawn inspiration from the early Negro spirituals by using call and response techniques, syncopated rhythms, and embellishments. Therefore, the purpose of this session is to explore the spiritual arrangements and anthems of Lela Anderson, a Texas native and celebrated composer/arranger of negro spirituals and anthems. This collaborative session will engage the audience in a demonstration where Mrs. Anderson and Dr. Demetrius Robinson will guide the insight choir through the interpretation and performance practice of various spiritual arrangements and anthems. Attendees will leave the session with a greater awareness of Anderson’s choral works and her inspiration for writing, a resource guide including a set of octavos to incorporate in their choral library, and practical strategies to assist in performing Anderson’s works with authenticity and respect.
Exploring the Negro Spiritual arrangements and anthems of Lela Anderson
Demetrius Robinson
Prairie View A&M University
Dr. Demetrius Robinson serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Music Education Coordinator at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Dr. Robinson received a Bachelor of Music Education degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi, respectively. He also completed an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at William Carey University and a Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of Memphis. In addition, Dr. Robinson received the Future Music Faculty Fellowship from the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2022.
Prairie View A&M University Concert Chorale
Our choir is the flagship choral ensemble of the university’s department of music. Our choir's repertoire spans several centuries of choral art music, including works by African American composers, with a noted emphasis on the performance, presentation, and preservation of the Negro spiritual. As a historically black college/university that, since its inception in 1876, has opened its doors to any and every person seeking a first-class, four-year university experience, our ensemble has stayed true to this mission by presenting performances of the Negro spiritual with excellence, authenticity, and respect.
