Simonelli Prompt #6: Important Takeaway

For me, the most important takeaway occurred at the start of this course when we began learning about all of the different types of music that fed into what we view as gospel music today. Previously, I had only learned explicitly about spirituals, so I had wrongfully assumed that is the majority of what we would discuss in this class. Of course, spirituals are one of the most important parts of this history, but I was surprised and interested to learn about all of the other types of music and even the differences between spirituals themselves. Watching videos of camp meeting songs, shape note singing, ring shout, and more highlighted that there are so many important distinctions we can make to understand this music, even if it can all be placed under the umbrella of gospel music. It is helpful to understand these distinctions to better grasp why the music was significant as well as what groups engaged with it and valued it most. I think this lightbulb moment has given me an important lens to consider while going through the remainder of the course content.