Dr. Tammy Kernodle opens season 3 with performance of “She Sang Freedom”
The Columbia Museum of Art presents More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series Featuring Tammy Kernodle, the season three premiere of the popular free concert and conversation program, on Friday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m. Hosted by ethnomusicologist Dr. Birgitta Johnson, the series takes attendees on a musical journey through multiple eras of Black musical expressions with live performances and intimate educational opportunities.
The evening features musician, musicologist, and Miami University Distinguished Professor of Music Tammy Kernodle, who joins us for a trio performance of “She Sang Freedom,” chronicling the journey of Black women as the producers of great music over the last four centuries. Prior to the concert, she discusses her unique approach and illustrious career with Dr. Johnson.
“I am so happy Dr. Kernodle is coming back to Columbia and bringing her critically acclaimed piece ‘She Sang Freedom’! It is a feast for the ears, mind, and spirit,” says Dr. Johnson. “Tammy holds court at the piano and takes you on a musical journey through the many voices of freedom that have inspired millions to fight for change and a better world.”
Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle is an arranger, pianist, singer, and scholar whose work concentrates on the contributions of African Americans to classical and popular music. A native of Danville, VA, Kernodle attended Virginia State, where she majored in choral music education with a concentration in piano. Upon graduation, she attended The Ohio State University, where
she earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in musicology. Dr. Kernodle has since taught and lectured at institutions including the University of North Carolina Chapel-Hill, University of Kansas, UCLA, and Florida State University. Her scholarship has been featured in a number of anthologies, journals, and encyclopedias.
Considered an expert in African American music, jazz history, and gender studies, Dr. Kernodle has served as scholarly consultant to institutions including the BBC, National Public Radio, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland), and the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. Most recently she was part of the team that constructed the inaugural music exhibitions at the National Museum of African American Culture and History in Washington, DC. She is the president of the Society for American Music.
Dr. Kernodle has served as choir director, instrumentalist, and consultant in the area of gospel performance prac-
