PAM Conference explored song and worship through immersive choral experience
The regional event centered the Black experience and explored the complexities of gospel music
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians' East Region hosted “Come Sunday: Worship and Music That Moves Us,” a two-day conference held on February 21-22 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Arreon A. Harley-Emerson, CEO and Artistic Director of Elevate Vocal Arts, was one of the keynote speakers and led the choral singing track portion of the conference.
Dr. Harley-Emerson's workshop featured an immersive choral experience with support from Elevate Vocal Arts, and centered the Black experience and Gospel music. Incorporating the work of Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson, and a prayer from Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Harley-Emerson coached the group through a series of songs that were performed the following day at the worship service and concert.
Danté Stewart, whose work in the areas of race and religion is featured in national news outlets including CNN, co-led the worship leader track of the conference with David Gambrell. The two offered practical tools for creating liturgy and talked through how to honor tradition while avoiding cultural appropriation.
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians' presence was felt through leadership in attendance including Executive Director Kelly Abraham.
In a closing keynote, Danté Stewart recited a poem he wrote connecting Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Aretha Franklin.
The first day of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians' Come Sunday event with a choral rehearsal led by Dr. Arreon A. Harley-Emerson where conference attendees took the days' learnings and put them in to practice in preparation for the following days worship and concert.
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