Kent R. Brooks

Kent R. Brooks is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Performance Studies at Northwestern University's School of Communication. Concurrently, he serves as the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, where he develops inclusive programming supporting spiritual and secular expression. His academic work centers on the language, performance, and socio-historical implications of Black Gospel Music in the United States.

Brooks holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied music composition, theory, classical/jazz piano, and voice under distinguished mentors including Drs. Ingrid Arauco, Allen Anderson, Linda Holtzer, Scott Warner, and Professor Stafford Wing.

His research bridges performance and scholarship, focusing on Black Gospel Music's cultural impact, musical theatre pedagogy, and African American religious traditions. This interdisciplinary approach integrates Black studies, music education, and vocal performance.

Brooks has composed and arranged over 15 significant works, including "Heal the Land" (theme for Black Churches Week of Prayer for AIDS), "Let Your Dreams Take Flight" (Special Olympics World Games), and "Fanfare for Celina" (Igor Stravinsky Festival). His scholarly output includes publications on sacred dance and collaborative projects with organizations like the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

Key honors include:

• Waljo Gospel Music Award (awarded twice)
• Karl Rosengren Faculty Award for undergraduate research mentorship

He directs musical initiatives including the Imani Gospel Choir (formerly at Wittenberg University) and served as chorus master/arranger for the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Current affiliations include editorial roles for the Gospel Music Workshop of America Songbook and the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.