Carolyn Ash, Executive Director
Dr. Carolyn Ash brings to The Spirituals Project years of experience in both the education and non-profit sectors. Her background includes: extensive work with K-12 educators and students and university researchers across the country, grant writing, organizational development and event planning. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio, and then went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She earned a doctoral degree in education from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

Carolyn also has an extensive background in music. From elementary through high school, she was a member of the world-renowned Colorado Children’s Chorale, under the direction of founder and conductor Duain Wolfe, and performed across the U.S. and Europe with the Chorale. She also studied African American and world music in the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College. Working for The Spirituals Project allows Carolyn to utilize all of her skills and passions in one place.

Lee Gash-Maxey, Program Assistant
A Denver native, Gash-Maxey is a graduate of Denver Public Schools and Colorado State University. She has more than 30 years of professional experience in broadcasting and cable television production. Her professional accomplishments include an Emmy award, an NAACP Image award and membership in the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. With her extensive production background Lee brings her organizational skills, a love of music and a commitment to preserving African American history and culture to the position.

Bennie L. Williams, Choir Director
Bennie L. Williams was born and educated in Marshall, Texas, and graduated from Bishop College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in piano. Later, she received the Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting and Piano from Indiana University at Bloomington. She began her teaching career in Dallas and moved to Denver in 1970. After a rewarding career teaching vocal music in the Denver Public School System at the Hamilton and Merrill Middle Schools and George Washington High School, she retired in 1998. Ms. Williams was a recent recipient of an annual award given by the National Association of Negro Musicians, recognizing years of contribution to the musical education and encouragement of young people.

Ms. Williams treasures the opportunities afforded her as a co-director of the Spirituals Project Choir. "The spirituals are our music. Our race survived the brutal persecution of slavery with strength derived from these songs. The songs enabled us to sing when we were afraid, mourn when we were hurting and, most of all, to persevere. The message of this music has been universally embraced as a symbol of hope. The spirituals were created by people who refused to give up and this is the message we must never forget."

John Hubert, Associate Choir Director
John Hubert is the Director of Music at the First Universalist Church of Denver and teaches private voice lessons through his studio Make a Joyful Noise! John received a Bachelor’s of Music from Truman State University in 2000 and a Master’s in Music from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2003. He has performed extensively throughout the Denver metro area as a soloist and operatic/musical theatre performer. John also directs the Denver Center for Spiritual Renewal, a non-profit school for adult education for the Denver Unitarian Universalist Community and serves on the board of directors for JUC Live!, a performing art series in Golden, CO.

Fannie Scott, Accompanist
Fannie has been involved in music for more than 30 years. She was the founder and director of The Jubilation Singers, a youth choir in Denver. She is the primary accompanist to choir at full rehearsals, sectionals, and performances. She also collaborates with choir directors in preparation for rehearsal and participates in program planning as requested.