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The Singing and Praying Band (uncredited)

The Singing and Praying Band

The Singing and Praying Band of Delaware and Maryland (Eastern and Western Shore) belong to an African American devotional/musical tradition that is unique to the Delmarva region, probably the oldest living African American musical tradition in Delaware and Maryland. In the past, almost half of the Methodist churches around the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays had their own prayer bands. With origins in West African religion, Christianity, and African American ring shout traditions, singing & praying bands developed during slavery. The ministry of the singing & praying bands takes place in host churches, often at a camp meeting after an evening preaching service is over. Members line out a hymn, pray a prayer, and end with a spiritual in which the group forms a circle, marching counterclockwise out onto the church grounds.

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Watch Past Performances

Singing & Praying Band of Delaware and Maryland 8/23/12: Singing & Praying Band of Delaware and Maryland

This program features African American a cappella sacred music belonging to a devotional/musical tradition that is unique to the Delmarva region. Part of Homegrown: The Music of America concert series.

Singing & Praying Band of Delaware and Maryland

This program features African American a cappella sacred music belonging to a devotional/musical tradition that is unique to the Delmarva region. Part of Homegrown: The Music of America concert series.

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