e were rather interesting. There was call and response, colorful clothes, movements, audiences’ interaction and improvisation. This really showed the versatility of a talented performance. I discovered that Amazing Grace was considered the Negro National Anthem and that Gospel music are love and healing. I am a member of a predominantly black church and they often sing Spirituals and Gospels and often use lining (Lead singer sing first line, others follow.) I have often wondered about this type of singing but I discovered in this class the history behind this form of singing. History says that when slaves were taught hymns, lining was used because they could not read. This style of singing was used to teach them songs. This developed during slavery and is still continued today. Melisma, (One pitch on a syllable ) is also another kind of singing that was explained to me. I found these to be rather informative and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the studies about music of the United States of America and it has helped me to better appreciate the American people and their culture. ...
