Vibrant Creator of Modern Spirituals
"Stacey V. Gibbs provides the choral world with a new and exciting voice that brings a refreshed vitality to the Spiritual genre. His music is capable of exhilarating power and transcending quiet while still being accessible to choirs of all ages and ability levels."
—Lee Nelson, Conductor, Wartburg Choir
Stacey V. Gibbs
Stacey V. Gibbs is a widely sought composer, arranger, and clinician with an extensive catalog. Best known for reimagining spirituals, he’s praised for breathing new life into familiar repertoire without losing its power or integrity. Choirs feature his music at A.C.D.A. conferences and festivals both in the U.S. and internationally.
From regional festivals to international stages, Stacey V. Gibbs’ spirituals have been sung by a wide range of ensembles, including college, university, high school, and professional groups both domestically and internationally:
• King’s Singers of England
• United States Air Force Sergeants
• The St. Olaf Choir
• The Stellenbosch Choir of South Africa
• The University of Southern California Chamber Singers
• Chanticleer
• The Kings Return
• Morehouse & the University of Michigan Glee Clubs
• The Wartburg Choir
• The Quava Vocal Group of Johannesburg, South Africa
• Cantus
• All state festivals
• National Association of Music Educators (MENC) festivals
• The World Choir Games
• Regional and national American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conventions
Video features the Stellenbosch University Choir performing "Joshua" by Stacey V. Gibbs, conducted by André van der Merwe.
Expressive Energy
Stacey V. Gibbs has a reputation for reimagining Spirituals with bold, expressive energy, and his "Joshua" shows exactly why. He honors the bones of the traditional spiritual but layers in inventive twists that give it real lift. And yes, Jericho’s walls still fall. The ending lands with unmistakable spirit and a sense of triumph.
Widely Published, Widely Performed
Gibbs' catalog of over 100 arrangements for SATB, SSAA, and TTBB voices is published by Gentry Publications, National Music Publishers, Pavane Publishing, Alliance Music, Hinshaw Music, Walton Music, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Alfred, ECS Music, Colla Voce, Carl Fischer Music, and Hal Leonard.
In 2007, Gentry Publications launched The Stacey V. Gibbs Choral Series. Many of his works appear as Editor’s Choice selections with J.W. Pepper. "Didn’t It Rain: The Spirituals of Stacey V. Gibbs," recorded by the Sunday Night Singers of California, was released in February 2012. His setting of Way Over in Beulah Lan’ was performed at the 57th Inaugural Service for President Barack Obama. He has also had the prestigious honor of serving as composer-in-residence at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Stacey Gibbs’s reinvention of the African American Spiritual is an exhilarating gift to choirs around the world. His pieces shine with innovation and energy, but always maintaining the dignity and heart of the genre. His beloved arrangements are vehicles for protest, but also a doorway to liberation and hope.
Stacey Gibbs’ dynamic and modern compositional voice has rightfully earned him a distinguished place in the twenty-first century American choral canon. In this day-and-age, to find someone this talented who is also a beautiful and kind human is a tremendous gift.
It has been our privilege to premier two of Mr. Gibbs' arrangements, and we have performed many others over the years. His music is beautifully well crafted and heartfelt, capturing the emotion and message behind each song. My singers gain memorable and valuable musical experiences each time we perform his music.
A Composer of Distinction
While honoring the great composers of the past, Stacey continues to advance the Spiritual art form in innovative and inspiring ways through his adept use of rhythmic drive, dynamic nuance and vibrant textures.
I hold Stacey V. Gibbs and his music in the highest regard. He is one of America’s most exciting and promising composers whose musical contributions will undoubtedly be recognized for years to come.
Distinguished Performances & Projects
Premieres & Performances
• New work "Testify" scheduled to debut at Carnegie Hall, May 2027
• "Drum Major" premiered by the Princeton Glee Club and King’s Singers, November 2024
• Setting of "Caravan of Love" premiered by the Golden Voices of Miles College at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention in Boston, November 2024
• "The Hymn" debuted by The American Spiritual Ensemble with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra at the Summermusik Festival, March 2024
• Setting of "See Dat Babe" performed by the Mangate Ensemble and broadcast on NBC in all major markets, December 2020
• Setting of Way Over in Beulah Lan’ was performed at the 57th Inaugural Service for President Barack Obama.
• Spirituals medley performed by Choir of the World winner Oakwood Aeolians with American Idol winner Ruben Studdard
Recordings & Publications
• "This Little Light of Mine" published in the King’s Singers Choral Series at Hal Leonard Music Publishing
• Arrangement of "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" by True Accord peaked at #5 on Billboard Classical and #1 on Amazon Classical Music, December 2019
• Collaboration with composer Shawn Kirchner on the song "No Color," addressing unity among all people
Led by conductor Jean-Sébastien Vallée, the Choir of St. Andrew and St. Paul from Montreal, Canada gives a breathtaking performance of "See Dat Babe."
Professional Activities & Appointments
• Founder of the ensemble Just Music, composed of musicians from across the United States
• Featured with Eric Whitacre at Inspire the Choir festival, 2021; served as moderator for African American women conductors panel during Black History Month including composer Rosephanye Powell.
• Composer-in-residence for Mansfield University’s Martin Luther King celebration at Carnegie Hall, January 2023
• Presenter at the King’s Singers Summer Music Program at Princeton University, June 2024
• Clinician nationally and internationally for university, high school, professional, and church choral ensembles
• Management professional with 20 years of experience; member of ACDA; currently resides in Detroit, Michigan
Contemporary a Cappella
"The Hymn" weaves together “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to offer a layered reflection on patriotism.
Time well spent with choral colleagues
Image 1: Stacey V. Gibbs and Claude McKnight of TAKE 6. Image 2: Stacey V. Gibbs and his Just Music Ensemble. Image 3: Brandon Waddles, Stacey V. Gibbs and Brandon Boyd at the Fred Bock Publishing Group booth, ACDA 2025. Image 4: Stacey V. Gibbs at Carnegie Hall.
Reshaping Spirituals Without Losing Their Heart
Bringing fresh energy to Spirituals, Gibbs Gather at the River opens the hymn with broad, resonant harmonies that fill the space. Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho keeps the traditional story and spirit, but Gibbs adds propulsive rhythms and striking contrasts that make the walls fall with new intensity. Way Over in Beulah Lan’ remains faithful to the original melody while layering warm, intricate voicings that helped it reach the national stage at President Obama’s second inaugural service.
