"We are doing music that traditionally isn't classified as gospel music but music that looks to address people and the various life scopes from which they come," Gospel Choir manager David Jiles '06 said.
The program includes 16 pieces with special guests Troy Malone (bass), De'Shun Burns (percussion), Demond Nicks (percussion), Bobby Wright (guitar), Michael Gallagher (guitar/keyboard) and Shawn Hibbler (organ). The title of this term's program is meant to emphasize the unique way of thinking on which the Dartmouth Gospel Choir prides itself. This is evident by the choir's mixture of gospel, salsa, African and rock music in Sunday's performance. The concert will even feature "Adon Olam," a Jewish song which was extremely popular at last year's winter concert.
"We are doing music with Afro-Cuban influence, a novelty number to the tune of 'Family Feud' and a Bolero-esque number. However, there still is music for those gospel music lovers," Jiles said.
The Dartmouth Gospel Choir will open its concert with Supple Belcher's "Anthem of Praise." Belcher led quite an interesting life during which he wrote music as a pastime. In 1775, records show that he marched with the American minutemen upon receiving the alarm from Lexington that signaled the arrival of the British. "Anthem of Praise," first published in 1794, comes from a larger volume of hymns entitled "Harmony of Maine," and is generally regarded as a hymn of thanks. The powerful piece reflects upon the strength of spirit of our early American ancestors.
Next, the audience will hear "Stand Still," an R&B and pop piece originally performed by renowned gospel singer Shirley Caesar. This tune is guaranteed to get your feet stompin' and hands clappin'. "Spirit in the Sky," an extremely symbolic piece, will follow. The composer, Norman Greenbaum, was in fact not a follower of Christianity, but rather Judaism. Originally, the song was very tongue-in-cheek and never intended to spark spirituality for its listeners, Christian and Jewish alike.
The spiritually commanding piece "To Know Your Lord" will be heard in the second half of the program.
"'To Know Your Lord' is just so uplifting and an easy tune to pick up. It's one of those great songs that will stay in your head all day. I love the jazzy edge and awesome flavor," said choir member Kimmi Kruge '09.
The Dartmouth Gospel Choir has been going through intense preparations for Sunday's show. This includes rehearsals Monday and Tuesday nights from 8 to 10 p.m., listening to reviews of each practice with the help of recorders, sectionals and individual practice. Members must balance later nights and longer hours of homework, but the beauty lies in the uplifted souls of the choir members, which testifies to the power of their music.
Walt Cunningham, who also writes many of the choir's arrangements and often accompanies them on piano, conducts the Gospel Choir.
"Honestly, [Cunningham] is a genius. His schedule is crazy, and he's always flying between here, Boston and New York. But, when he gets to Dartmouth, his focus is completely on us, he gives us 150 percent," states an enthusiastic Kruge.
"I guess what I want to say is he's more than a conductor. Sometimes he'll stop us all right in the middle of practice and take a few minutes to share some personal wisdom with us. He's an enlightener, director and teacher," says Kruge.
So, what do gospel choir members want you to know about "Out of the Box"? Well, first of all, it's an excellent opportunity to do something active on your Sunday afternoon. Gospel Choir concerts are always a great opportunity for the whole audience to have a good time, get up out of their chairs and move. Secondly, "Out of the Box" is certain to fulfill the needs of a wide arrange of musical tastes with a variety of sounds ranging from tribal beats to game-show music. Tickets are $3 for Dartmouth students and are available at the Hopkins Center Box Office.
