“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” It’s a phrase we hear repeated in church many times. It is the basis of countless hymns and anthems. It’s a sentence meant to inspire the heart to leap up and worship God for everything He has done, and everything He is going to do. One group of students is taking that phrase to heart. The new Gospel Choir, organized by senior music major Stephen Ray, meets every Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Berry Chapel to sing, have a good time and most of all, worship God.
“We really have an incredible time, and we really come to worship,” Ray said.
Where did the idea for such a group come from? For Ray, it has been somewhat of a lifelong ambition.
“The first kind of music I was ever exposed to was gospel music,” he said. “Classical music has stretched me further than anything, but sometimes I really do miss gospel.”
Ray first proposed the idea a few years ago, but the issue was tabled and never really pursued. Ray tried a few more times, but to much the same result, so he tried a different approach this year. Instead of going through the school, Ray simply took on the task of organizing and leading himself. He says he did this because it was “much simpler,” and the choir could focus more on repertoire and chemistry rather than curriculum.
Does this lead to a better group? Stan McCoy, a junior sociology major, seems to think so. “It’s not about singing ‘proper’ or being ‘professional,’” McCoy said. “It’s about worship, and being able to just [worship God] freely is just amazing.”
Many other people seem to share this outlook on the choir’s efforts. According to Ray, “about 50 people have shown interest” in participating with the choir. It has gotten large enough to warrant an official notice from the school. Dr. Gary Gerber, associate professor of music, is serving as a school liaison for the group.
If you are not a music major, you can still join. “I think, to glorify God the most, it would serve the group best if there is more diversity,” said Ray.
McCoy seems to share this view. “The people come from all different areas of study, but we all have the same passion for worship,” McCoy said. “It’s really a kind of ‘come one, come all’ type of thing.”
No performances have been scheduled as of yet. Ray is optimistic about a possible Christmas concert, but he says that right now, “establishing the chemistry of the choir is most important.”
It is not too late to join the Gospel Choir. “We invite you to come and worship God,” Ray said.
