VaShawn Mitchell Joins Gospel Performance Program as Artist in Residence

Berklee’s annual Gospel Performance Program will mark its return to the Boston campus July 24–28, 2023. Launched by the Africana Studies Division in 2022, the immersive five-day program is open to high school students ages 15 and older with six months of playing or vocal experience.

This year's program will feature visiting artist VaShawn Mitchell, a seven-time Stellar Award–winning singer and songwriter, who will present a master class. “I am honored to be a visiting artist for the Gospel Performance Program,” said Mitchell. “The opportunity to foster talent and encourage young people in gospel music is something I couldn’t pass up.”

The program will offer ensemble rehearsals, technique-in-performance classes, and gospel history discussions, as well as a presentation on the gospel music industry, covering performance and business techniques while exploring the genre's cultural relevance and its connection to contemporary music. Directing the program is Mark Copeland, an assistant professor in Berklee’s Ensemble Department. Classes will be led by Berklee faculty members including Dennis Montgomery and Nichelle Mungo. In addition, there will be a final concert on Thursday evening where students will perform a repertoire of songs from their ensemble rehearsals.

"We are thrilled that the Gospel Performance Program is returning this summer after an exciting first season with Dr. Teresa Hairston and the incredibly talented Kurt Carr," said Emmett G. Price III, dean of the Africana Studies Division. “This program is one of the cornerstones of the division and we are grateful to have exceptional Berklee faculty and visiting artist VaShawn Mitchell to provide guidance, instruction, and inspiration to our young students."

For more information on the Gospel Performance Program, email africanastudies@berklee.edu. To register, visit the program's webpage.