Our Mission

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The Sound of the Northwest is an American choir that preserves and presents the culture and heritage of the Negro Spiritual art form through musical and artistic productions - educating and inspiring multi-cultural and multi-generational audiences with signature sound and style – marked by acapella vocals, complex harmonies and layered storytelling.

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Our History

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The Sound of the Northwest is a community choir founded in 1987 by Juan
Huey-Ray for the purpose of preserving and presenting the music of the Black American
heritage, particularly the Negro Spiritual. It is one of a small number of choirs
nationwide that focus on a repertoire of African American Spirituals, and the only such
choir in the Seattle area.

The Sound of the Northwest strives to enrich the lives of diverse, multi-
generational, and multi-cultural audiences and artists. It has a rich history of performing
for a wide range of audiences in schools, concert halls, civic centers, and churches of
many different denominations. A common feature of Sound of the Northwest
appearances has been educational commentary, story-telling, and audience
participation, encouraging unity among diverse audience members, stirring pride in the
artistic contributions and resilience of the African American community, and providing
insight into the African American experience in a way that fosters empathy and
understanding.

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Since the retirement of Founder Mr. Huey-Ray in 2020, The Sound of the Northwest has been led by several talented directors, and under the  leadership of current Director Elias Bullock is working to maintain its artistic traditions while reaching new audiences and artists.