The rhyme “April Showers bring May flowers” is a saying usually associated with spring, but for the ETSU’s Gospel Ensemble spring season starts in February with a concert of praise.
The Gospel Extravaganza, a concert by the Ensemble and other community choirs will be held on the Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. in Culp Auditorium. The event, which is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, is open to everyone.
Robbie Hale will direct the Ensemble, with Kelvin Scott as the pianist and Carl Hale on drums.
He feels this concert will more adequately prepare the group for their upcoming Gospel competition set for March in Nashville. “For one, we are no longer considered a ensemble,” he said. “We are now learning to sing as a choir.
“This year not only will we be in a different category as far as size, but we are also going with a more spiritual mind. This year it’s not about just competing. By having a more spiritual mind we become unified, becoming unified we sing as one.”
Due to the recent wintry wrath of Mother Nature the group has not been able to practice as much for the Extravaganza. Hale said that it would not affect their performance as they will minister through song.
“It has made us more focused, by having to learn the songs quicker,” he said.
“This year’s choir is different from the previous ones as far as learning how to worship and praise instead of just entertaining.”
He said the group is going to do well.
For more information contact advisor, Laura Terry, in the office of multicultural affairs or president of the ensemble, Jarrett Bush at 433-3073.

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