WomanSpiritRising, a feminist chorus was formed in the fall of 2002 by eight women who had been part of the Rhode Island Feminist Chorus for anywhere from 1-20 years. As that group was disbanding, those eight women were determined to continue to perform the type of music, at the type of venues that had been the hallmark of their former chorus. The result was the formation of WomanSpiritRising, a feminist  chorus. That name, which comes from a song of the same name written by Karen Beth, seemed especially fitting for the emerging group.

As WomanSpiritRising, a feminist chorus took shape, a mission statement was developed:

“WomanSpiritRising, a feminist chorus is a dynamic group of women who blend their voices in a capella song – songs about justice, social consciousness, political oppression, freedom, love, friendship, acceptance, and truth. We use the strength and spirit of music to inspire, educate, and empower women and the larger community.”

True to their mission, the new chorus’ first performance was a winter holiday set for Travelers Aid in Cranston.  Since then, WomanSpiritRising, a feminist chorus has performed for old friends and new audiences alike.

In October 2006 WomanSpiritRising welcomed Nancy Rosenberg as director of the chorus. Nancy is a music professor at Brown University and an Ph.D candidate of music education. Nancy has an extensive background in music including teaching, curriculum development and coordinating music programs for K-12 schools  universities, sound design, composition and arrangement. She has directed many a cappella choruses and has helped WomanSpiritRising develop a polished professional sound.

Since it's inception WomanSpiritRising has more than doubled in size. Its members are diverse in age (three generations are represented), race, background and musical experience which is reflected in their music selection and style. Their repertoire includes music from the Civil Rights movement, spirituals, folk, contemporary and original music written and/or arranged by the director and chorus.