Black Sacred Music Symposium XIX – FELLOWSHIP
March 19-22, 2026
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) are pleased to host the second regional gathering for the celebrated Black Sacred Music Symposium.
The XIX Symposium, taking place from March 19-22, is an opportunity for anyone with a passion for and interest in choral music, specifically black sacred music, to learn about and perform the music from visiting instructors, some of the nation’s most talented performing artists, and scholars. A culminating concert, which is open to the public, featuring Symposium attendees along with local and national guest artists, will take place on March 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Gerald Freedman Theatre at UNCSA
Founded in 1991 by Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, each Black Sacred Music Symposium is centered around a theme that reflects the transformative power of Black sacred music. This year, we embrace FELLOWSHIP—a recognition of the enduring strength of this music as a source of support, resilience, and faith through difficult times. In an era of global uncertainty, we come together to find solace, joy, and unity through song.
Symposium XIX provides an enriching opportunity for choral directors, music educators, students, and community members to deepen their understanding of Black sacred music traditions. Participants will engage in group instruction, music rehearsals, and plenary sessions led by a distinguished faculty of Grammy-nominated artists, scholars, and esteemed educators.
Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including the historical development of Black sacred music, choral conducting techniques, vocal and instrumental instruction, and the evolution of gospel and spiritual traditions.
Additional presenting partners for the Black Sacred Music Symposium XIX include Building Bridges Through Song, Delta Arts Center, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, Winston-Salem State University, and the City of Winston-Salem.
Read about the 2024 Black Sacred Music Symposium XVII – HAVEN.
Black Sacred Music Symposium - Conference
Thursday, March 19, 2026 - Sunday, March, 22, 2026
ACE Main Theater (Thursday), Film Scoring Stage (Friday/Saturday), UNCSA
Individual Registration: $35
Groups Registration (10-15 per group): $325
Participants in the Black Sacred Music Symposium will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and performance of the music as well as reach a deeper understanding of its message. Attendees learn from distinguished guest artists and perform with them in the culminating concert. Seminar topics range from the history and development of African American sacred music traditions, including congregational singing, folk and concert spirituals, metered and improvised hymns, anthems, and traditional and contemporary gospel expressions to choral conducting and vocal and instrumental techniques.
For the 2026 symposium, the guest artists include Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, UNCSA Dean of Dance Endalyn Taylor Outlaw, Berris Bolton, Rev. Dr. K. Edward Copeland, Walter Owens, Jr., Quandra Clark, Dr. Myron D. Brown, D’Walla Simmons-Burke, Ashley M. Davis, Charity Davis, Jasmin D. Henderson, Reginald E. Payne II, Ciobhan Dunn, Darren Warren, Nicholas Pickett and Joshuah Brian Campbell.
Conference Schedule
Thursday, March 19
5 PM - Registration Check In
6 PM - Opening Ceremony
6:20 PM - Plenary Session I
7:30 PM - Combined Rehearsal
9 PM - Instrumentalists' Rehearsal
Friday, March 20
5 PM - Registration Check In
6 PM - Combined Choir Review I
6:15 PM - Plenary Session II
7:15 PM - Plenary Session III
8 PM - Combined Choir Rehearsal
9:30 PM - Instrumentalists' Rehearsal
Saturyday, March 21
9:30 AM - Instrumentalists' Rehearsal
11:30 AM - Combined Choir Review II
11:45 AM - Plenary Session IV
12:45 PM - Break
1:30 PM - Combined Rehearsal/Dress Rehearsal
3:30 PM - Closing Session
4:15 PM - FELLOWSHIP Reception
Sunday, March 22
12 Noon - Technical Rehearsal
3 PM - Black Sacred Music Symposium XIX Concert
5 PM - FELLOWSHIP Reception
The community concert on Sunday, March 22, is included with your Symposium registration.
Please register by Sunday, March 15, to ensure your spot. For groups, please register (10-15 people) by March 11.
Black Sacred Music Symposium - Concert
Sunday, March 22, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Reception Following
Gerald Freedman Theatre, UNCSA
Attendees of the conference are not required to perform in the concert, but those interested can take part in a powerful and unforgettable performance. Conversely, the general public who do not take part in the conference are welcome to attend the concert.
Concert Program
"Amazing Grace" arr. Robert T. Gibson
"Come Sunday" from “Black, Brown, and Beige” – Duke Ellington
"Stand Up" by Joshuah Campbell and Cynthia Erivo
“Lift Every Voice and Sing" arr. Roland Carter
— Pause —
Congregational Singing
Recognitions & Legacy Tribute
Maestro Richard Smallwood Celebration Medley
Symposium Faculty Artist Presentations
Remarks
Blessing (2018) - Dr. Ollie Watts Davis
Program subject to change
FAQs
How can I register for the symposium?
You may register for the symposium online here.
Can I register a group online?
Yes, the registration form includes an option for group registrations. There is a flat fee of $325 for 10 to 15 people. The deadline for group registrations is March 11, 2026.
Will session or day passes be available for purchase?
No.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards.
How can I be certain that you have received my online registration?
If you entered an email address when you registered, you will receive an email acknowledgment within 30 minutes of submitting your registration.
Where do I pick up my registration materials when I arrive?
When you arrive, our greeters will direct you to the registration tables at the BB&T Lobby of the Ace Theater Complex.
Will lunch be provided on Saturday, March 21?
No, lunch will not be provided.
Are all buildings wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buildings are wheelchair accessible. Please be sure to include accessibility
needs when making your registration.
Is there an official social media hashtag?
Yes! #BSMSXIX and #BSMS2026