CHARLOTTE, NC/JULY 13, 2026 - Tanasia Kirby has the voice of an angel – classically trained, soulful, inspired. Kirby is a junior at Johnson C. Smith University, a music major in voice performance, and a talented soprano. This summer, she was selected to participate in one of the nation’s premier training opportunities for emerging classical vocalists. She earned a scholarship to participate in the 2026 American Spirituals Intensive Program at the Bay View Music Festival in Petoskey, Michigan, a prestigious honor.
Dr. Shawn-Allyce White, Professor of Music and Kirby’s voice instructor, said the opportunity is an important milestone for both the student and the University.
“I am blessed and extremely excited about Tanasia Kirby’s acceptance into the American Spiritual Intensive Program in Petoskey, MI, to study and perform. The opportunity will enable Tanasia to participate in an experiential learning program designed for young classical singers.”
The JCSU student, also a member of the Honors Program, will spend July 31 through August 10 immersed in a rigorous 10-day residency, dedicated to the study and performance of the American Negro Spiritual. The highly selective program is the only intensive of its kind in the world, bringing together promising young classical singers to preserve and celebrate one of America’s most influential musical traditions.
“The American Spiritual Intensive Program will certainly provide a foundation for Tanasia Kirby to begin her successful pursuit of diverse careers for young African American classical singers,” White said. “Tanasia’s acceptance into and exposure to a well-known and respected national music program, under the direction and tutelage of extraordinary African American artists, will inspire and motivate Tanasia to continue her studies and performance opportunities as an aspiring African American performer,” Dr. Shawn-Allyce White implored.
As part of the fellowship, Kirby will receive advanced vocal instruction, individualized coaching, participate in rehearsals, and perform in multiple concerts centered on the rich legacy of the American Negro Spiritual. The American Spirituals Intensive Program is widely recognized for preparing the next generation of African American classical artists. Participants receive elite mentorship while deepening their understanding of the history and artistry of the spiritual.
Tanasia’s summer experience is supported by the Strada Scholars Enrichment Program at JCSU, which is part of the Strada HBCU Initiative. According to Dr. Angela White, Senior Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management, “the program reflects a shared commitment between Strada Education Foundation and Johnson C. Smith University to ensure that talented students have access to experiences, networks, and opportunities that cultivate leadership, expand career possibilities, and position them for long-term success. By removing financial barriers and supporting transformative learning experiences, the Strada Scholars Program empowers students to maximize their potential while contributing meaningfully to their communities and professions,” she said.
Tanasia Kirby represents Strada as a stand-out student, now able to explore the deep historical and cultural dimensions of the African American spiritual tradition. Dr. Angela White frames it this way: “For Tanasia, this experience represents far more than a summer performance opportunity. It is an opportunity to engage deeply with a musical tradition that tells the story of resilience, faith, hope, and perseverance within the African American experience. As an HBCU student, her participation helps preserve and elevate a cultural legacy that remains foundational to American music and history.”
Kirby’s selection also reflects a longstanding relationship between JCSU’s music program and the professional opera community. Through collaborations with Opera Carolina, JCSU students have participated in master classes and attended professional opera productions featuring internationally acclaimed performers, including Grammy Award-winning baritone Kenneth Overton, who will serve as Kirby’s voice instructor during the residency. Kirby will also study under Dr. Everett McCorvey, an internationally acclaimed conductor, founder of the American Spiritual Ensemble, and one of the nation’s foremost interpreters of the spiritual tradition. McCorvey will serve as Co-Director ofThe Spirituals Intensive Program. For Dr. Shawn-Allyce White, this moment is history in repetition.
During her doctoral studies in voice performance at the University of Kentucky, White studied under Dr. McCorvey. Years later, her own student will soak in the knowledge of the celebrated icon.
“Dr. Everett McCorvey was my voice teacher, lead professor, and mentor during my doctoral studies in music and voice performance at the University of Kentucky (UK), in the College of Fine Arts, School of Music, UK Opera. Fortunately, we have remained in touch. My students have heard The ( International) American Spiritual Ensemble over the years, and Dr. McCorvey has followed my career and supported my endeavors since I received my doctorate from the UK under his exceptional tutelage,” White explained. In another interesting turn of events, she shared this: “Kenneth Overton, my longtime friend and colleague, recommended Tanasia for the program, citing her performance and 2nd-place finish at the Intercollegiate Music Association (IMA) Competition this past February 2026. This is a full-circle moment for Dr. McCovey, Kenneth Overton, and me,” Dr. Shawn-Allyce White said, overflowing with pride.
Dr. Angela White explains how Kirby’s selection reflects Johnson C. Smith University’s commitment to providing students with transformative experiential learning opportunities while preparing the next generation of artists and performers.
“From an educational perspective, the experience allows Tanasia to strengthen her artistic skills, expand her professional network, and gain exposure to national-level performance and training environments. These experiences contribute to her growth as a scholar, artist, and future professional while enhancing the visibility of Johnson C. Smith University on a national stage.”
As she joins an elite group of emerging classical vocalists this summer, Tanasia Kirby will sing a song that is resonant and true, one young woman shining a bright light, representing multitudes.
