November 22, 2025: Lift Every Voice And Sing Workshop & Concert

The Montpelier Community Gospel Choir is excited to host Dr. Kathy Bullock for an all-day workshop and concert celebrating the joy of Gospel music from 9:00AM - 4:00PM at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier. Our “Lift Every Voice and Sing” workshop is open to anyone who would like to participate; no experience is necessary. This is a unique and excellent opportunity to learn about and experience the joy of singing gospel music with a nationally recognized performance artist.

Dr. Kathy Bullock is Professor Emeritus of music at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky where she worked for almost thirty years. She is also currently an Adjunct Professor of Music at University of Kentucky, School of Music. Having earned the Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Theory from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and a B.A. in Music from Brandeis University, MA, her work has included teaching music and general studies courses, directing the college gospel choirs, designing and implementing international courses in West Africa and the Caribbean. Dr. Bullock is now performing and conducting workshops in African American Sacred Music throughout the United States, Europe and Africa, sharing hope and joy during these challenging times.

This event was generously supported by a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation and Montpelier Alive.

Join the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir for a workshop and concert celebrating the life and legacy of Gospel legend Harry T. Burleigh. The Workshop will run from 1 - 4pm at the Chapel at Vermont College, followed by a public concert at 5pm. This workshop is open to anyone who would like to participate; no experience is necessary. The workshop will be led by our new Artistic Director, Dr. James Stewart.

As a composer, arranger and professional singer, Harry T. Burleigh was instrumental in developing the sound and identity of American music. His work made Black music available to everyone, inspiring contemporaries (including Antonin Dvořák) as well as future generations of singers, composers and music lovers. So many of the beloved spirituals that live in our hearts, hymnals and concert stages are known today because Burleigh sang, championed and published them. The story of this often-sung but rarely-praised composer will take us from slavery to singing before kings and queens; from mopping floors to teaching the world what American music could and should sound like.