Dr. James Abbington

Reviving Congregational Singing 
Using African-American Song

Sunday, October 30, 2005
2:30 – 5:00 pm

Music is selected for worship both for its appropriateness to the liturgical context as well as its appeal to the congregation. This session will illustrate the liturgical uses and functions of African American music both to deepen the worship experience as well as to strengthen congregational singing. We will draw upon two primary musical resources: Spirits That Dwell in Deep Woods by Wyatt Tee Walker and the African American Heritage Hymnal (both edited by Dr. Abbington).

Dr. James Abbington is associate professor of Music and Worship at Candler Theological Seminary, Emory University in Atlanta. He earned a B.A. degree in music at Morehouse College and graduate degrees in music at University of Michigan. He previously taught at Morgan State University and Shaw University. He is the executive editor of the African American Church Music Series published by GIA Publications as well as a member of the Executive Committee of the Hymn Society in the U.S. and Canada and also the Council for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. He is author of Let Mt. Zion Rejoice! Music in the African American Church (Judson Press), Readings in African American Church Music and Worship (GIA) and other publications.

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