Learn
Sharing knowledge and building understanding has always been an important part of The Sound of the Northwest's mission. Click on the icons below to learn more about African-American Spirituals, the life of The Sound of the Northwest Founder, Dr. Juan Huey-Ray, and his work in bringing Spirituals to the Pacific Northwest. Would you like to learn more? The Sound of the Northwest provides educational programming for adults and children. Contact us to learn more.
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Production of the materials on this web page was supported by a King County 4Culture Heritage grant "Preserving and Sharing African American Spirituals in King County"
Negro Spirituals
Negro Spirituals are an important part of America's musical heritage. Click on the book to learn more about this musical art form.
A history of negro spirituals
Fix Me: A Contemporary Take on a Traditional Spiritual
African American Spirituals have wide appeal, and from the early 20th century to the present, contemporary composers have created updated arrangements of spirituals. Click here to listen to The Sound of the Northwest Perform a contemporary arrangement of the spiritual, "Fix Me", composed by Dr. Raymond Wise. This video recording was the first of several choir videos The Sound of the Northwest created during the COVID pandemic, and was presented to Juan and Doris Huey-Ray during an event honoring Dr. Huey-Ray at his retirement.
Learn more about the Raymond Wise arrangement of the Spiritual "Fix Me" presented by the Sound of the Northwest for Mr. Huey-Ray's retirement celebration
The Sound of the Northwest sings "Fix Me"
Juan Huey-Ray and The Sound of the Northwest
Learn more about Mr. Huey-Ray's life and his work with The Sound of the Northwest. Mr. Huey-Ray retired as director of The Sound of the Northwest in 2020, and passed away in 2022.
Learn about the life of Juan Huey-Ray
Juan & Doris discuss the founding of The Sound of the Northwest, challenges, and highlights
Juan & Doris recall great experiences and memories with The Sound of the Northwest
Read about how and why Mr. Huey-Ray founded The Sound of the Northwest
Juan & Doris Huey-Ray discuss their early musical experiences and exposure to Negro Spirituals
Juan & Doris discuss their hopes for the future of The Sound of the Northwest
Celebrating the Legacy of Juan Huey-Ray
Juan Huey-Ray retired as director of The Sound of the Northwest in 2020. In June of 2020, a motorcade event was held during which appreciative members of the choir, local churches, and wider community, drove past his house to offer greetings and well-wishes. This took place in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, before vaccines were available - a time during which the impact on choirs was significant, with cancellations of rehearsal and concerts and other indoor gatherings.
Read about the retirement event held to celebrate Juan Huey-Ray's legacy
Members introduce themselves and describe how they got to know Juan, Doris and The Sound of the Northwest
Members of The Sound of the Northwest describe their most fun and outrageous moments with Juan Huey-Ray
View the entire documentary video “Get on Board,” which was produced in celebration of Juan Huey-Ray and his work with The Sound of the Northwest
Motorcade event to celebrate Juan Huey-Ray's retirement
Members of The Sound of the Northwest discuss the significance of Juan’s work with the choir in preserving Negro Spirituals
Members of The Sound of the Northwest offer words of gratitude and encouragements to Juan and Doris Huey-Ray