Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., the Guilford Gospel Choir congregates in the middle of the choir room, standing in a circle of unity and expressing their heavenly praise of the Lord through the ensemble of song.
Lyrics of harmonious, heavenly hymns quickly saturate the surrounding air, ricocheting off the ceiling beams and window panes. The low voices of the altos complement the high ranges of the sopranos as the vocalists intertwine with one another.
Bashful personalities, requiring motivation, morph into confident songsters as their passion for Gospel exudes from their swelling vocals. There is a presence of spirit and glorification throughout the room. The coordination of swaying bodies is witnessed as the leisurely beat of the melodies is expressed through the snapping fingers and clapping hands.
Conducting the choir is first-year Darren Reed, who since the age of five has participated in gospel choirs. Reed was raised by both a deaconess and deacon, which enabled faith and Gospel music to have a commanding impact in his life.
“Gospel has influenced my life over and over by helping me keep hope in my life,” said Reed. “It has been a hard 18 years especially since my mom died four years ago. It has inspired me to continue on and keep going through that time and many others.”
Sophomore Kendra Dowen has witnessed this ensemble of spiritual serenades led by Reed.
“The hymn of “Our God is an Awesome God” echoed through the hallways, luring me to the doorway of the room where I found a circle of singers … They sounded good for only being their first time singing together.”
Junior Courtney Prince was also attracted by the musical talent.
“As I exited my classroom, I was able to hear voices that were singing a unique genre of music. As I came closer to where the sound was coming from, I was able to detect that it was Gospel,” said Prince. “I think that the Gospel Choir will be a good club to be offered on the Guilford campus and just reiterates Guilford’s acknowledgement of diversity.”
The Gospel Choir meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Dana choir room. There is no experience necessary and participants from all backgrounds are welcome. The group has also requested a pianist, so if you have the musical mastery of the keys, attend next Thursday’s meeting.
“I really hope that we can accomplish something as a Gospel choir,” said Reed. “I feel that with God’s help we can do anything.”