The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers is a landmark collection of 35 non-idiomatic compositions from the sixteenth century to the present day, providing a comprehensive introduction to an area of choral music that has been historically under-represented.

In this day-long workshop, participants will:

• learn and hear from Marques Garrett about the composers, their works, and the historical context in which their work was created

• learn and sing 10 (of the 35) published works within the anthology, including works by Florence Price, Nathaniel Dett, Adolphus Hailstork, Chicago icon Lena McLin, and Marques Garrett himself

• share a meal, and spend time in community with other musicians

• perform these works the following day, as part of SPR’s Feast of Martin Luther King, Jr., led by Marques Garrett (optional)

This event is free to all. To show support for future publications which center historically minoritized groups, we ask participants to purchase the anthology in advance. Anthologies can be purchased through any music retailer (we recommend Performers Music).

A small number of anthologies will be available for individuals to borrow from SPR, and requests must be made in advance to bilyeu@sprchicago.org to ensure availability. 

About Marques L.A. Garrett

Marques L. A. Garrett is Associate Professor of Choral Studies at the University of North Texas. After completing the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Music Education (Choral Conducting) at Florida State University, he was an Assistant Professor of Music in Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is an accomplished vocalist and composer with his works available through several publishers and performed by festival/honor choirs, all-state choirs, and professional and university choirs such as Seraphic Fire and the Oakwood University Aeolians. Recent commissions and premieres include Harvard University and the Turtle Creek Chorale. He regularly serves as a choral clinician and guest conductor for festival and honor choirs throughout the country. He is also the founding conductor of the Nebraska Festival Singers. As an active researcher, he has published articles and presented on the choral music of Black composers and rehearsal techniques for state, regional, and national conferences. More information at www.mlagmusic.com.