SF Community Music Center: Impact of Black Culture on Ensemble Singing

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Join Maestro and Nola Curtis for an eye-opening session dedicated to the impact of Black culture and music on ensemble singing. From field songs to barbershop quartets, the Curtises will discuss and demonstrate how Black culture has influenced American music, paying special attention to ensemble singing styles. Their session will provide historic and cultural context as it dives into choral singing, background singing, classical music, and American quartet singing. They’ll cover a wealth of styles, including blues, jazz, country, gospel, reggae, funk, and barbershop quartet.

This event will be conducted online via video conferencing. RSVP to receive the link to join, emailed prior to the start of the discussion. RSVP HERE:

About the CMC Sessions Series:
Take a deep dive into jazz, Chinese-American, Latin, old-time, gypsy jazz, and genre-crossing styles with CMC faculty from the Cultural Traditions Department. The sessions offer engaging discussions, inspiring demonstrations, and musical tips in a creative format. Participants are invited to interact with the faculty through a Q & A. CMC Sessions are free and open to all levels of music students.

Meet these talented and inspiring faculty at the CMC Sessions:
• February 9 Maestro and Nola Curtis, The Impact of Black Culture on Ensemble Singing
• February 23 Jon Jang, Traditions in Transformation: The Musical Language of Jon Jang
• March 9 Charlie Gurke, Clave for Improvisers
• March 23 Miguel Govea, Community Arts and Education
• April 13 Omar Ledezma Jr., The Music of Rubén Blades
• April 27 Erik Pearson, Banjo History and Styles
• May 11 Scott Feichter, Gypsy Jazz Legacy: Past and Present
• May 25 Allison Lovejoy, Genre-crossing: From Classical to Blues to Rock

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.