The sweet sounds of gospel music will fill the Chapel once again when Hamilton hosts its seventh annual Gospel Celebration.
Participants of all faiths or musical ability are invited, along with children and families, to share in this uplifting event. In the past, 30-35 students, members of the faculty and staff, and participants from nearby churches and community groups have joined to celebrate. There is no charge, and no previous gospel experience is required.
"The workshop is a way for people to come together around a spiritual event different from a church service or bible study group," said College Chaplain Jeff McArn. "It brings a different tradition to campus for those who have never experienced it before or for those who want to be part of it again."
This year's event will begin at on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m., with a performance by workshop leaders Rev. Kirk Hatcher, choral director, and Ed "Chief" Menifee, accompanist. Both are from Atlanta, where they are accomplished musicians steeped in the gospel music of the black church tradition.
On Friday, Nov. 11, participants will gather for two rehearsals — although it is fine to join in starting with the second session in the evening. A day-long rehearsal follows on Saturday, Nov. 12, with the workshop concluding with the Gospel Celebration and Performance.
In addition to participants from the Hamilton and greater Utica area, former Dean Karen Green will return to the Hill for the event along with some of her students from Wells College.
"The Gospel Celebration gives us an opportunity to interact with some of the other churches in our area and students from other campuses, creating a rich connection," McArn added.
GOSPEL CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
Thursday, Nov. 10 — 7-9 p.m.
Club Water Rock in the Events Barn
Workshop kickoff with music of the Hamilton Gospel Choir and Kirk Hatcher and Ed "Chief" Menifee, workshop leaders.
Friday, Nov. 11 — 4-6 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Workshop Rehearsals in the Chapel
Saturday, Nov. 12 — 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Workshop Rehearsals in the Chapel
Saturday, Nov. 12 — 7 p.m.
Gospel Celebration and Performance in the Chapel
Free and open to the public
Participants of all faiths or musical ability are invited, along with children and families, to share in this uplifting event. In the past, 30-35 students, members of the faculty and staff, and participants from nearby churches and community groups have joined to celebrate. There is no charge, and no previous gospel experience is required.
"The workshop is a way for people to come together around a spiritual event different from a church service or bible study group," said College Chaplain Jeff McArn. "It brings a different tradition to campus for those who have never experienced it before or for those who want to be part of it again."
This year's event will begin at on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m., with a performance by workshop leaders Rev. Kirk Hatcher, choral director, and Ed "Chief" Menifee, accompanist. Both are from Atlanta, where they are accomplished musicians steeped in the gospel music of the black church tradition.
On Friday, Nov. 11, participants will gather for two rehearsals — although it is fine to join in starting with the second session in the evening. A day-long rehearsal follows on Saturday, Nov. 12, with the workshop concluding with the Gospel Celebration and Performance.
In addition to participants from the Hamilton and greater Utica area, former Dean Karen Green will return to the Hill for the event along with some of her students from Wells College.
"The Gospel Celebration gives us an opportunity to interact with some of the other churches in our area and students from other campuses, creating a rich connection," McArn added.
GOSPEL CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
Thursday, Nov. 10 — 7-9 p.m.
Club Water Rock in the Events Barn
Workshop kickoff with music of the Hamilton Gospel Choir and Kirk Hatcher and Ed "Chief" Menifee, workshop leaders.
Friday, Nov. 11 — 4-6 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Workshop Rehearsals in the Chapel
Saturday, Nov. 12 — 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Workshop Rehearsals in the Chapel
Saturday, Nov. 12 — 7 p.m.
Gospel Celebration and Performance in the Chapel
Free and open to the public
