This course is a general survey of African-American history from its African background to the end of the Civil War. Beginning with definitions of radicalism and reform, students explore movement ideologies and leaders, the organizations and movements spawn, the alliances they forged, and their constituencies to determine whether the various movements were radical or reformism. Students study conflicting views of the various movements through readings, lectures, films, and class discussion. There will be short papers and a final exam. The purpose of this course is to provide instruction in gospel music performance.
Students learn the stylistic rhythms, patterns, textures, and content forms of gospel music.
They attend several performances during the semester and conclude with a school concert. The jazz band is an ensemble that specialized in the study, rehearsal, and performance of music written for Big Bands. The repertoire will comprise mostly swing music, with some Latin-style pieces and jazz ballads. Occasionally, a voca list will be incorporate into the ensemble. Entry into the jazz band will be based upon audition results.