The University of Memphis Gospel Choir wrapped up the schoolyear with its Spring Concert Saturday night at the RoseTheatre.
Those attending the free concert were treated to a variety ofmusical styles.
"We tried to arrange a balance of contemporary, traditional, andold Negro spirituals," said Choir Director Patricia A. Malone.
Several times throughout the show, members of the audience weremoved to add their voices to the choir's on the more popularsongs.
"Many of the songs were written by Memphians and are wellknown," Malone said.
Grammy Award-winning Memphian O'landa Draper wrote two of theselections: "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord" and "Come on and Liftthe Savior Up."
Draper, who has since passed, attended The University when itwas still Memphis State University and was student director of theGospel Choir from 1983 to 1985.
"The choir members are really committed young people," Malonesaid. "They practice twice a week and in addition to the on-campusconcerts each semester, they accept many appearances at localchurches and schools."
Tia Simone Branch, in her third semester with the choir, said ofher choir experience, "I'm really having fun. The church I grew upin was small and didn't have a choir."
Freshman Tonya Johnson, who was with the choir last semester,said, "Part of the fun of being in the choir is that you knoweverybody that's there really wants to be there. You only get onecredit hour for it but you see a full choir."
The commitment and dedication of the choir members appears tohave paid off as freshman Crystal Turner said leaving, "I reallyenjoyed it!"
The Central High School Concert Choir entertained the audiencewhile the Gospel Choir caught its breath.
From the response of the crowd, most agreed with Tonya Johnson'sfeeling: "... they were excellent."
One U of M parent added, "Those children just stole the show --they were great."
