Page 126 - CJJanuary2026

2026 ACDA Southern Region Conference March 4-7, 2026 Memphis, Tennessee

In
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Interest Sessions
University of Kentucky. Benningfield has performed church choir, and spending time with her family.
several operatic roles, including three of Mozart’s most
well-known leading ladies: La Contessa in Le Nozze di Matt Caine is director of traditional
Figaro, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, and Fiordiligi in music at St. John’s United Methodist
Cosi fan tutte. Professional performances include pro- Church, Aiken, SC. In addition to being
grams with Cincinnati Opera and the Southern Illinois an active conductor of orchestras and
Symphony Orchestra. She is the program director of church, community, professional, and
vocal music with the Governor’s School for the Arts of symphonic choruses, Caine has served as interim direc-
KY and a lecturer of voice at Berea College. tor of choral activities for St. Petersburg College and
Allen University. Both a Fulbright Scholar and a FLAS
Fellow in Bulgarian Language of the US Department
of Education, his published research in Bulgarian mu-
Rehearsing for Understanding: sic is frequently cited by scholars in both Bulgaria and
Educating All Singers the United States. Caine has presented interest sessions
at two ACDA national conferences as well as regional
Church choirs and non-auditioned community cho- and state conferences.
ruses unite musicians of all experience levels, offering
a unique opportunity for directors to nurture growth
through integrated music literacy and contextual
learning. Instruction can go beyond vocal technique Spirituals, Anthems, and Gospel Music:
to include score marking, theory, IPA, and culturally Is There a Difference?
informed performance practices. By exploring diverse
musical styles and traditions, directors create inclusive, Concert spirituals, ethnic anthems, and gospel mu-
accessible, and meaningful rehearsal environments. sic are distinct styles of sacred choral songs by African
Though instruction may progress more slowly than in American composers influenced by Western Europe-
academic settings, this intentional, practical approach an classical music. While unique, these styles do share
fosters expressive, collaborative growth. These ensem- musical characteristics, leading to the incorrect inter-
bles become spaces where all singers connect deeply changeable use of terms and mislabeling. This miscat-
with music, each other, and a broad spectrum of cul- egorization overlooks contributions to the classical mu-
tural and emotional experiences. sic tradition and leads to inappropriate performance
practices. The learning outcomes of this session are to
Jennifer Adam is in her twenty-third year provide general characteristics of spirituals, gospel, and
of teaching and is the director of choirs ethnic anthems, and to assist in categorizing, describ-
at Christian County High School in Hop- ing, and performing these songs more appropriately
kinsville, KY, having previously taught in and respectfully.
elementary through college classrooms
in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ken- William Powell is the director of choral
tucky. Adam possesses degrees and certifications in activities at Auburn University, where he
music education, violin and vocal performance, Ko- teaches choral courses and conducts the
dály methodology, and choral conducting. Making and Chamber Choir, Men’s Chorus, Concert
teaching music is her passion, and she greatly enjoys Choir, and Gospel Choir. He is a guest
working with a variety of musicians every day. Outside conductor for various choral events in the United
of school, she is active in her church, singing in her States and abroad, including performances at Lincoln

124 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5