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Sacred American Music
June 12 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Sacred American Music
Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 AM
June 5, 12, 19, 26
$15 each / $50 for the series of 4
with Joseph Marchio
Music plays a vital role throughout our lives. Music entertains, provides accompaniment to drama and movies, inspires dance, and plays a central role in the rituals of our faith and spiritual practices. Sacred music, that which accompanies the traditions and rites of faith communities, is dynamic and highly diverse. In these four sessions we will explore the sacred music of some American religious traditions– Shakers, Moravians, Mennonites, and Amish to name a few. We will also explore the incredibly rich tradition of slave spirituals, gospel music, and the art of shape-note singing.
June 5: The Shakers
June 12: Slave Spirituals including gospel
June 19: The Moravians, Mennonites, Amish and Shape-notes
June 26: Appalachian serpent handling (most popular)
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Joseph Marchio, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, is currently Assistant Conductor of the
Cape Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Chatham Chorale. In addition, he serves as
Pastor of First Congregational Church of Chatham. Joseph holds degrees from the College of
Wooster, Yale University, and Boston Conservatory, where he received his Master of Music
degree in conducting, studying under Dr. William Cutter. As an organ soloist, he has performed
recitals throughout the United States and Canada and is a featured performer on a CD celebrating
some of the historic pipe organs throughout Cape Cod. Organ teachers include M. Wayne Eich in
Charleston, Dr. Thomas Gouwens and John Russell at the College of Wooster, Dr. Martin Jean at
Yale University, Todd Wilson at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and David Higgs at the
Eastman School of Music.
In the past, Joseph taught music theory and history and directed the college chorus at Cape Cod
Community College. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he presented more than 100 online lectures
through Artful Journeys on topics ranging from music and architecture to the life and works of
Johann Sebastian Bach. While continuing to present online offerings through Artful Journeys,
Joseph will also lead trips to Italy, Austria, and Germany during the next year.