Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell, PhD, is a prolific composer, master teacher and choral clinician conducting workshops around the world. She was a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock from 1979 to 2013. Dr. Barnwell studied violin for 15 years beginning at age 2 ½ and majored in music throughout high school. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Speech Pathology, Doctor of Philosophy in Speech Pathology and a Master of Science in Public Health. Dr. Barnwell was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by her alma mater, SUNY Geneseo and conducts workshops all over the world. Her “Building a Vocal Community®: Singing in the African American Tradition” has been conducted on three continents in the past 28 years.