Charlese Freeman
Student Life Editor
Voices of Triumph Gospel Choir hosted an electrifying spring performance after a tedious journey to concert day on March 29.
Last Saturday, in the Fine Arts Center recital, Voices of Triumph saw the fruits of its labor when the student choir organized and presented: VOT’s Made Alive Concert, in the crowded auditorium. Everything from the song selection to the t shirt design required team work and communication.
“It wasn’t always easy. Sometimes I would come into choir practice feeling drained emotionally, physically and spiritually and would have to pray for other people’s burdens to be lifted and sing a joyful song when I didn’t feel at all joyful, but when God uses you as a vessel to advance His kingdom, all your worries, frustrations and burdens are lifted immediately,” said choir member, Moriah Hawkins. “Your pain turns into joy because you know in your heart you have hope, and that this choir isn’t just a choir but is a ministry that is being used to save lives through Jesus.”
The group’s eboard meet ever Wednesday, sometime in Sycamore’s lounge, but usually in the university center in a conference room. The board admits it was difficult deciding who it wanted to participate in this year’s concert, considering the concert was much earlier this year.
The choir’s eboard consist of: the president, Kristina Conaway, the Vice President; Secretary, Kyleah Tuller; Treasurer, Charlese Freeman; Public Relations Chair, Joshua Powell; Chaplin, Mo’naje Walker and Praise Team leader, Lydia Johnson.
Although there were many elements to making the concert possible, all the members agreed on one thing that God helped them with the entire process.
The lifeline themed concert began with VOT’s praise team. The group of 8 choir members began the concert with a heartwarming praise and worship session. The crowd roared with sobs of joy and appreciation to God.
The night continued with emotional outbursts from the audience including a moving praise dance number routine from VOT’s praise dance team, Sisters of Triumph and former ESU student and VOT drummer, Jose.
Like every other VOT concert, the choir sings last, but first is presented with some elaborate introudcution. This year was no different. The room fell pit black, only the light from the projector screen filled the room.
The screen showed an electric blue EKG machine with the sound of a beating heart. The dramatic sound of the flat lined EKG machine was met with the reading of a bible verse. The tone was eerie and melcnocoloy, until the projector showcased the name Jesus, as the narrator talked about all his works.
The sound of the choir’s in sync voices erupted immediately, while remaining in the darkness of the recital hall.
The choir’s president said the choir is considering changing its name from VOT Gospel Choir to Ministries because it is more than singing group— VOT is a Ministry.
The choir then proceeded to walk to the risers and sing: Tye Tribbon’s Already Won; James Cleveland’s, God is;
With every concert, VOT has to let graduating senior go.
The graduating seniors were presented with gifts, and many became emotional. Conaway said that many have made VOT their family on campus and it’s both sad and exciting to watch them move to the next stage of life.
The choir alsohonored it very dedicated president, Conaway, now a graduate, has been
“Successful, when I looked out into the crowd, I saw so many emotions. There was a connection between us and the audience. They were there worshipping with us. VOT is an outlet for me; it’s something different to have a relationship with young adults,” said VOT secretary, Kyleah Tuller. feel like we are the first set an example.”
VOT ended the year with another successful concert. The choir strives to continue to expand its family and spread the Gospel through song.
Email Charlese at :
cfreeman2@live.esu.edu
