Voices of Triumph Perform Annual Spring Concert ‘Arise’

The Voices of Triumph Gospel Choir held their annual Spring Concert on April 8th

By Charlese Freeman

Staff Writer

Dedication is an understatement when describing the talented ESU students that make up the Voices of Triumph Choir. On April 8, a beautiful Saturday afternoon at 5 pm, family and friends made their way over to the Fine and Performing Arts Center to grab a seat for another exciting VOT concert.

Meanwhile, back stage choir members moved swiftly and quietly making last minute adjustments and practicing last minute notes. Prior to VOT’s performance, the event was full of exciting performances including VOT’s praise dance team, Sisters of Triumph, Christian rappers, praise teams and praise dance groups.While singing, the choir members showed their enthusiasm and dedication to their God. However, it was not all fun and games. The practices leading up to the concert were tedious and hard work which often left the members tired with sore voices.

One of the choir members commented when asked what helps you prepare your voice for a concert said jokingly “Prayer and tea”.

The songs selections for this year’s spring concert included “Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin,”Matthew 28″ by Donald Lawrence, “You Are the Living Word by Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ, and “He Reigns” by J.J Hairston and Youthful Praise.

These songs where sung with life and passion. Clearly, these young people love and believe what they sing, but we can’t forget the awesome band that helped VOT rock the Fine Arts Center all night.

At the end of the concert, the choir Executive Board acknowledged the members of the choir who are seniors and will be graduating in May from ESU. Some of the senior members had been on the choir for all four years of their college experience and the other members just wanted to show them a token of their appreciation.

While the remaining members were sad to know that this concert would be the last one for the seniors, they were happy to “pass the torch” the new executive board members.

Of course the choir wouldn’t be a choir without a director, in the case of VOT two loving directors, Larry and Natasha Ljuljic. Some members presented gifts to their two directors as they talked about the impact they have in their life.

As Mr. Ljuljic bought the concert to an end with a closing prayer, he asked God to bless the seniors whom where leaving and he makes a statement that touched the crowd saying, “They were some of the best friends I’ve ever known.”

 

Email Charlese at:

cfreeman2@live.esu.edu