The Jewel Prize for African American Spirituals https://www.american-music.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1736332 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:50:41 GMT Tue, 2 May 2023 06:09:23 GMT Copyright © 2023 Society for American Music The Jewel Prize for African American Spirituals https://www.american-music.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1736332 https://www.american-music.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1736332 I am so pleased about the genesis of The Jewel Prize for African American Spirituals, in honor of my dear friend and colleague, Eboneé Jewel Davis. It may seem curious for a white person to create such an award; however, if you will allow me, I will explain how this detail is precisely the reason. As I wrote in a recent article, “…a thing of great strength, value, and beauty, fashioned in extreme heat and under unimaginable pressure, the ‘diamond’ of the African American Spiritual refracts the offenses of my not-so-distant forebears and my own privilege, as well as an abundance of grace from its creators and heirs.” I am interested in helping to birth more Spirituals arrangements, for each new composition is a teacher for me and for our country.

Sacred Nine Project is calling for new, unpublished and unperformed African American Spiritual arrangements.  The distinguished composer will receive a $1,000 award, and the arrangement will be premiered by Sacred Nine Singers on March 10, 2024.  Deadline for submission is Friday, October 6, 2023.

Please visit https://sacrednine.com/jewel for a complete description, including rationale, guidelines, and deadlines.  Please email us at sacred9project@gmail.com with questions.

Thank you!

Leonard Raybon

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