The reason why so many people enjoy their college career is because of the clubs and organizations they join. At Kean University there are over a 100 clubs and organizations that students can join and be actively involved in. And for those who enjoy singing and want to be a part of an electrifying group, look no further than the Kean University Gospel Choir.
Kean University Gospel Choir was founded in the 1980's, but after some time it became an inactive group. The president of the organization, Danielle Thomas, a junior majoring in graphic design, explains that fortunately the organization formed again in 2011 by "a small group of passionate Kean [University] students. Now here we are in 2016 and thriving with 30 plus members."
The organization was lucky enough to be invited to compete in the 2016 McDonald's Gospelfest and won the competition.
"The journey to Gospelfest was something we've never experienced. We really cracked down on our rehearsals and dedicated ourselves to perfecting our craft," Thomas comments.
After the members of the Gospel Choir received the news themselves that they were finalists for McDonald's Gospelfest competition, the news spread around campus and eventually to the surrounding community.
"Suddenly, Kean Gospel Choir was in high demand," Thomas comments. "We were being contacted for both paper and radio interviews, [we were] invited to perform on Fox 5 News and asked to make guest appearances at different events."
The Gospel Choir has performed at many events such as Kean Dance Marathon (KDM) and Pan-African Student Union's (PASU) Balling for Breast Cancer.
Currently the Gospel Choir has several events coming up this semester. The organization will be performing at Enoteca Ursino on Thursday, December 15, 2016, for a toy drive. Also, the organization will be performing at the United Christian Assembly Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Saturday, November 19, 2016 and at Ramapo College on Sunday, November 20, 2016. The organization will also be hosting a Gospelfest alongside the Haitain Student Association (HSA) on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Wilkins Theatre. For more information about the Gospelfest, please visit Cougar Link.
"The purpose of Kean Gospel is to give anyone an opportunity to express themselves through music, fellowship and spread the gospel to the Kean community," Thomas says and continues to explain that the Kean Gospel Choir music choices is diverse. Besides singing gospel music, the organization also sings contemporary Christian music, hymns and worship music.
Kean Gospel Choir is a participation-based organization, so if any students would like to join, they do not have to audition. But if any students are interested in a solo, students would audition with the musical director.
"All we ask is that you come with a heart to sing," Thomas says.
If anyone would like to see the Kean Gospel Choir perform, attend its upcoming event Gospelfest. The event is to help raise money for the organization NJForHaiti to help provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Matthew.
The organization meets every Monday in Vaughn Eames 308 and Thursday in Wilkins Theatre room 141 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Kean Gospel Choir is also looking for a few musicians to travel alongside them. The organization is looking for bassists, pianists and drummers. Anyone who is interested in being a part of the choir can contact the group by email at gospel@kean.edu.
