Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro Collection

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g., 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This collection contains materials relating to the performances and operations of the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Patricia Trice, the ensemble sought to “preserve and perpetuate through performance the unaccompanied arrangements for mixed voices of the African-American Spiritual” (4:1). The collection consists primarily of printed materials, such as concert programs, newsletters, and newspaper clippings, and also includes one photograph and two albums produced by the group. Researchers interested in the cultural landscape of Greensboro, especially with respect to African American spirituals or Black ensembles, may find this collection of interest.

Arrangement: This collection is organized in seven series and arranged within series by document type or subject. The series are: Audio, 2003, 2006; Financial, 2003-2004; Minutes, 2005; Miscellaneous, undated; Photographs, 2001; Piccolo Spoleto Festival, 2005; and Printed Materials, 2000-2013, undated.

Provenance: This collection was donated by Vivian J. McCullough in December 2014 and assigned the accession number 2014.43.1. The donor was the archivist for the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro.

Processing: This collection was organized by Archivist Elise Allison, and the finding aid was prepared by intern Jordan Fridley in May 2025.

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro (SRSG) was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patricia Trice, a native of Greensboro and retired professor of music from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. During her time in Tampa, Dr. Trice founded a similar group, the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Tampa. After returning to Greensboro, she recognized a gap in the appreciation of African American spirituals in the community and established the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro, which held its debut concert on March 22, 2000.

Dedicated to “perpetuating through performance the unaccompanied arrangements of African American spirituals” (7:15), the SRSG performed at local churches, colleges/universities, and festivals, and also travelled further afield in its earlier years. For instance, the group was invited to sing at the 2005 Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, and performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., in 2007 (7:11).

The Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro retired in 2013, citing dwindling interest from young people in African American spiritual music and the transition by churches to more secular gospel music (7:17). By 2013, the group had built an extensive repertoire of over sixty songs, including 1960s civil rights protest songs and religious music. It recorded two CDs, one in 2003 and one in 2006.

Historical Sources: The historical information was gathered from materials in the collection and a 2013 oral history interview of Dr. Patricia Trice that is available on Digital Greensboro.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials contained in this collection include audio CDs, financial documents, minutes, photographs, and printed materials pertaining to both the internal operations and public-facing activities of the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro. Among the highlights are two CDs recorded by the group, as well as a 2001 photograph by Otis L. Hairston Jr. Records concerning the group’s internal operations consist of council minutes, financial records, and documents regarding the scholarship it offered. Materials representing its more public-facing activities offer insight into the organization of its performances and the local media coverage it received.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Audio.  1 folder (2 items).  2003, 2006.

This series consists of two albums on CD. The first one, produced in 2003, appears to consist of biblically-inspired songs, while the 2006 album contains a variety of 1960s civil rights music, songs produced by women, and other biblically-inspired music.

2. Financial.  1 folder (4 items).  2003-2004.

The 2003 and first quarter 2004 financial reports of the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro, signed by treasurer George M. Murray, provide insight into the financial functions of the group. Documents within this series also include information pertaining to its scholarship program, intended to “perpetuate the legacy [of the African American spiritual]” (2:1) by encouraging the participation of young people.

3. Minutes.  1 folder (1 item).  2005.

These minutes record the discussions and decisions from the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro Council meeting on June 25, 2005. Topics included centralization of the group’s finances, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and new options for women’s concert attire, as well as reformatting SRSG’s social/fellowship agenda. Additionally, the minutes discuss community-based endeavors such as workshops and the scholarship program.

4. Miscellaneous.  1 folder (1 item).  Undated.

This new member information sheet presents the group’s mission, details the expectations of members, and outlines the concert dress code for both men and women.

5. Photographs.  1 folder (1 item).  2001.

The photograph shows the members of the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro at West Market Street United Methodist Church in 2001. Note the adherence to concert dress code as specified on the new member information sheet in the previous series.

6. Piccolo Spoleto Festival.  4 folders (11 items).  2005.

This series contains guides (6:2-3), flyers (6:1), and itineraries (6:4) relating to the group’s participation in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in 2005. Held in Charleston, South Carolina, the annual festival “[showcases] local and regional artists in ‘alternative’ venues that utilize the city’s streets, parks, storefronts, and churches” (6:2).

7. Printed Materials.  17 folders (84 items).  2000-2013, undated.

The printed materials highlight various aspects of the SRSG’s public-facing activities. Items relating to the group’s performances include concert calendars, programs, and flyers. Newsletters sent to its supporters and newspaper clippings provide additional information about its activities. Of particular note among the miscellaneous items is a songbook from the June 2007 African American spirituals music camp at West Market Street United Methodist Church, which was jointly sponsored by that church, the Spiritual Renaissance Singers of Greensboro, and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Also included are a Friendly Avenue Baptist Church newsletter, a Music for a Great Space flyer, and a program from the 2002-2003 Lyceum Series at North Carolina A&T State University, all listing SRSG performances (7:12).

FOLDER LISTING