As I walked into Minor Hall last Thursday night for the rehearsal of Black Voices' "Joy in the Morning" concert, I didn't know what to expect. Everyone was sitting down, completely silent, listening to a few announcements about attendance policies. I made myself comfortable in a chair near the back of the room, and they all stood up. The music began, and the room erupted with one of the most sensational sounds I have ever heard. The sound was so incredible I nearly fell out of my chair.
The sound that literally knocked me out of my seat was the singing of Black Voices, the premiere gospel choir at the University. The group has around 120 members of all years and races. But, as any member will tell you, Black Voices is more than just a choral group.
"BV goes deeper than the music," third-year College student Chelsey Jones said. "It's a truly amazing experience, one that I couldn't imagine my life without."
Aside from singing, the choir practices ministry, fellowship and worship. In fact, religion plays an integral role in Black Voices.
"Religion is essence -- it's all about God and our faith," third-year College student Okey Udumaga said. "We sing to have a good time praising God."
This is no understatement. When the rehearsal ended, I started to leave. I looked around the room and noticed that not one member of the group had moved. A soft, inspiring piano melody started, and they all bowed their heads and began to pray. There was a deep feeling of spiritual release in the room.
"Whenever we rehearse or perform, we always keep the mindset that each of us is here to express our personal relationship with God," said BV President Angelique Lynch, a fourth-year College student.
During their annual Family Weekend concert tomorrow night, Black Voices hopes to share that experience with their audience.
"People should come see our concert because it's not really a concert," fifth-year Education student Jamia Jones said. "It's a unique experience that incorporates the audience, the greatness of God, the music and a lot of fun."
If this description doesn't entice you, maybe BV's singing will. "Because of the Blood" starts with an in-your-face power solo -- damn, that girl can sing -- followed by the entire chorus. It wouldn't surprise me if the students living on the Lawn felt their walls shake. And though I've never been a huge fan of gospel music, Black Voices left me yearning for more.
Tomorrow night's performance, "Joy in the Morning," should astound audiences. With a full backup band as well as dancers, the show promises to be upbeat and uplifting.
"We're very excited about our show, and we want to spread that excitement to the people who come to our show," fourth-year College student Jessica Fowler said.
If you've never been to Black Voices performance, I would highly recommend that you hear -- no, experience -- their music.
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