Gospel Choir auditions were held last week, but director of the Gospel Choir, Samuel Cook, is still open to more auditions for new members.

“Gospel Choir is an ensemble of singers that performs and learns contemporary African gospel,” said Cook. “I encourage people who have sung in choir.”

The choir focuses on the African American gospel tradition. Gospel choir would like to have a footprint on campus to help promote diversity and praise God. 

“The purpose of the gospel choir is to share and promote diversity on campus,” said Cook, “And to share diversity of the musical traditions of the African American church.”

Students can still audition even though the main auditions are over. Students are encouraged to contact the music department or Cook through email if they would like to audition. Auditions are open to anyone who has vocal experience and would like to join.

“I want to hear people sing uninhibited,” said Cook, “And sing freely without fear of being judged and show an emotional expression in their singing.” 

Students in the Gospel Choir also encourage new members to join and participate.

“Go ahead and join, Sam Cook is an amazing director that will meet you at your level even if you haven’t sung prior,” said L.J. Brodie, senior musical theater and dance major from Mesquite. “He will add the seasonings and the flavorings to make it seem like a gospel song from a Southern Baptist Church.”

This year, due to the COVID-19, the Gospel choir will not do anything for Black History Month. Instead, Cook will sing solo pieces at the 2021 Don Williams and Royce Money Distinguished Lecture Series hosted by The Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action on Feb. 10-11.

“Music transcends race and dominations,” said Brodie. “Gospel Choir is just people who love the Lord coming together to worship on campus like we used to.”

The Gospel Choir will also perform at the Spring music festival on Apr. 29 at First Baptist Church.