A typical workshop schedule is Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm CT and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm CT. Lunch is provided at noon on campus. Overnight accommodations are available for an additional fee.

Liturgical Music Workshop: Sacred Music and Race in the American Church

February 27-28, 2025

Thursday, February 27: Fisk Jubilee singers concert
6:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST On Campus

Friday, February 27: sacred music and race in the american church workshop
On Campus


PRESENTERs: Dr. Karen Shadle with Archbishop Shelton Fabre of Louisville

This workshop will examine perspectives on race as heard through sacred music, with attention to historical, cultural, and liturgical contexts. Music-making and music-listening are culturally specific and often politically charged activities. Church documents acknowledge the power of music to nurture faith and enrich the liturgy with the gifts of culture. At the same time, the Church calls music to a standard of universality that moves us toward the goal of Christian unity.  In grappling with this paradox, students will be encouraged to cultivate an openness to how music shapes and is shaped by one’s identity. Assignments include critical listening, reading, participant-observation, class discussion, and written response. No previous musical knowledge or skill is required.

The first evening of this seminar will include a concert by the Fisk Jubilee Singers and a panel discussion with the Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre, Archbishop of Louisville and former chair of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. Dr. Karen Shadle is a musicologist and Director of the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Participants for-credit will participate in additional online components following the workshop.

Guest Registration

Anyone interested in the workshop is encouraged to register, including those not enrolled as students. Priority registration will be given to students. The cost for guests will be:

Single - $395
Double - $445
Commuter - $295

There will be a 3% credit card surcharge added to the transaction.

Register and pay here

Student Registration

Registration opens November 4 to enrolled students, whether non-degree-seeking or pursuing an M.A. and/or Certificate. If you would like to enroll as a student, please visit our Admissions website: https://www.saintmeinrad.edu/graduate-theology/how-to-apply/application-request/.

The cost for students will be $693 for one credit plus the cost of any accommodations on campus.