African American spirituals don't get a lot of airplay in today's world. Despite their huge role in shaping contemporary gospel music, the spirituals as they once existed are a fading genre.

In an effort to keep the art form alive, music professor Anthony Leach started a celebration of the African American spiritual back in 1995.

Over the years, the celebration has expanded from a one-night event into a weekend-long festival, Leach said. This weekend marks the celebration's 13th year and features performances by Essence of Joy, which is Penn State's gospel choir, the University Choir, Oriana Singers, the Glee Club, the Concert Choir and select high school choirs from Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.

The original celebration was Leach's means for honoring Black History Month.

"There was no musical event in the School of Music in observance of Black History Month. I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to focus specifically on African American spirituals since we do sacred and secular music," he said.

Leach has an extensive music background, and it is from his own wealth of knowledge that Essence of Joy learns the spirituals.

"It's an area of expertise for me," he said.

In addition to the spirituals that Leach taught Essence of Joy, there are also pieces from outside composers.

"We will be premiering three new works written specifically for Essence of Joy," he said.

Preparations for the event have been underway for many months.

Leach had to start early to get the composers' pieces in time so Essence of Joy could learn them. In addition, he had to arrange the high school choirs that will be attending and performing in the celebration.

Throughout the years of the celebration, Leach has had one underlying goal -- preserving the music he loves.

"I keep the spiritual alive by any means necessary because it is a dying part of African American society," he said.

Christine Clark-Evans, associate professor of African American studies, expressed her confidence in Leach's efforts.

"I think that with continued attention of creative persons like him that [spirituals] will continue to be a living and dynamic aspect in African American culture, but likewise in American culture," she said.

The participation of the school and community are also a large part of what keeps the spiritual alive.

With continued interest in the celebration year after year, it has expanded to include more performances.

Leach said the celebration usually gets "a very nice turnout of students and people from the community."

Other than the opportunity to experience a cultural and historical celebration, Clark-Evans said there are many reasons why students would want to attend.

"We have an opportunity to share something very unique," she said. "The basic ethic is that there is a humanity that we share and it shows itself in the gospel music."