The Bent But Not Broken (BBNB) conference returns this October with a powerhouse lineup of our country’s leading Black vocal artists, conductors, and educators. BBNB fuses culture, music, and inspiration together to create an unforgettable experience in Wilmington, DE.
BBNB provides a welcoming environment for the education and personal development of all its participants. This gathering brings together conductors and educators alongside vocalists from various regions nationwide, presenting a wide range of activities and shows, from interactive workshops to moving performances. You can anticipate being enriched with music and forming connections within a lively and supportive community .
With plenty of talent and energy, here are the ten reasons you must attend:
1. Recharge Your Battery
Charge your battery with four days full of concerts, sessions, and networking at BBNB. Leave filled with inspiration, knowledge, and new energy. You can think of BBNB as a sort of music retreat that will refill your soul with beauty, harmony, and deep connections forged from meaningful conversations.
2. Celebrate Black Voices
BBNB was created to celebrate and promote Black voices. The conference features some of the best talent within the Black community from conductors to educators specializing in musics from the African/Black Diaspora. This is more than just listening to music — it’s feeling the energy and stories that music can tell .
3. Get Coached by Experts
One of the headliners of this conference, Dr. Taylor, will offer the Conducting Masterclass. As an accomplished conductor and pedagogue, Dr. Taylor is in great demand following her successful tenure as the Director of Choral Activities at Prairie View A&M University. She will guide the participants in honing their skills in gesturally communicating with a vocal ensemble.
4. Bent But Not Broken Concerts Will Move You
Every night at BBNB, there are stunning performances of Black choral music. These concerts are not just about technical skill—they are powerful, emotive showcases of artistry that remind you of the impact music can have in our lives and society. This is a chance to enjoy Black choral music and celebrate the traditions and innovation of the art forms .
5. Attend On Your Watch: Flexibility for All Schedules
The Bent But Not Broken (BBNB) conference provides flexible registration options so participants can attend this experience without compromising their busy schedules. Whether you can attend the conference in full or just a few days, you can register for the full four-day conference, day passes, or just concerts. This guarantees that everyone can take part in our workshops, performances, and discussions according to their needs and availability.
6. Honor Emerging Talent: The Nia Award Honors Emerging Talent
The Bent But Not Broken Nia Award is an honor given to Black conductors and educators early in their careers when their potential for great impact in the field can be nurtured through intentional, ongoing mentoring. Attending the BNBB will give you the opportunity to honor and encourage emerging music professionals. You definitely do not want to miss this!
7. Engage in Dynamic Panel Discussions
BBNB is known for its panel discussions that gather scholars and musicians to discuss issues in choral music and the arts community at large.Sessions cover a range of topics, from conducting techniques to the challenges encountered by musicians of color. These discussions provide insights and enlivening conversations. It’s an opportunity to listen to expert viewpoints, participate in exchanges, and influence the direction of music education and performance .
8. Network with Black Vocal Arts Leaders
BBNB provides the ideal environment to network with industry leaders and other artists who share your passion for Black choral music. These contacts might just propel future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, or lifelong friendships. You never know who you might meet—this could be the moment that launches your career or creates a lifetime connection in the world of vocal arts!
9. Take a Deep Dive Into Music for the African Diaspora
The sessions at BBNB go beyond just mere technique and look into the cultural relevance of the music itself, emanating from the African Diaspora. It is an opportunity to learn how to teach, perform, and elevate music knowledge or expand your horizons regarding programming Black composers.
10. Experience Wilmington’s Charm
And last but not least, the beauty of Wilmington is a good enough reason to come. Between all events, check the city’s vibrant arts scene, cozy cafes, and oozing historical charm. You might just find yourself falling in love with the setting as much as the event!
Don’t Miss Bent But Not Broken!
The Bent But Not Broken conference is a unique celebration of music, culture, and community. As a conductor, educator, or music lover, it will give you an immersed experience into the art of vocal music, sending you away with fresh inspiration. Register now on Elevate Vocal Arts’s website today to change your life! Not able to join the conference and want to learn more about music of the Black Diaspora? You can see lots of great performances on the Equity Sings recordings page.
