Three-day gospel choir conference at Columbus State

Update | Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Columbus State Gospel Vocal Ensemble (CVE) presents "REJOICE: A Gospel Choir Conference” Thursday through Saturday.

Thursday, November 21 in TL 123
6-6:45 p.m. – Pre-Conference Powershop: "Vocal Techniques for Choir Members" - Presenter: Tonya Berry, former Columbus State student & GVE member.
7-8 p.m. – Open Choir Rehearsal: This session is open to anyone who would like to sing with GVE on the conference concert tour.

Friday, November 22 in TL 123
6-6:45 p.m.m – Powershop I: "Best Practices: Choir Rules, Apparel, Etiquette, and Vocal Health" -  Presenter: GVE director, Emma L. Easton.
7-7:45 p.m. – Powershop II: The Remix: Bridging the Gap Between Hymns and Contemporary Gospel Music" - guest presenter: musician and Pastor Rika Fanning. Fanning is a well-known bassist who has recorded with choirs and groups.
8-9 p.m. – Open Choir Rehearsal

Saturday, November 23 in the WD Ballroom
3-3:50 p.m. – Forum: "Bring Back the Choir!"  A panel will discuss the benefits of having a choir in the local assembly and the detriments of not having one. Guest panelists include Bishop Roger J. Hairston, music director of the award-winning recording choir Voices of Deliverance of the Temple of Faith COGIC, and Jesse Howell, musical director of the Columbus Metro Mass Choir.
4-5 p.m. – Concert:  The conference concludes with a concert themed, "Rejoice & Give Thanks," featuring the Columbus State Gospel Vocal Ensemble. Special guests will include Charlene Franklin, minister of music at Mt. Zion COGIC. The evening's repertoire will consist of traditional and contemporary music from gospel composers such as Milton Brunson, the Chicago Mass Choir, and John P. Kee.  A reception for the spring 2020 recruits follows the concert. 

The conference is free and open to the public.  Contact Emma Easton for more information.

NOTE: MUS 1206 (Gospel Vocal Ensemble) is a 1-credit hour repeatable class that is open to students, staff, and community participants.

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