From Wednesday through Saturday, students and community members from all religious and musical backgrounds will gather to participate in the 15th annual “Got Spirit?” Gospel Workshop, culminating in a gospel concert on Saturday in Gulick Theatre.
This year, the workshop will feature guest workshop-leader, Mario Vaughn of the award-winning Chicago Mass Choir. The choir has released 16 albums, and has toured throughout the country and Europe. They have also made several TV appearances, most notably on Sesame Street and at a Chicago Bulls game.
The event is headed by Reverend Shaun Whitehead from the St. Lawrence Chaplain’s office. The workshop is an extension of the weekly gospel service that performs in the chapel every Sunday at 4 p.m. The mission of the service is to be a “congregation that welcomes and fully values all persons. Through this calling, different understandings of the ways God is active among us are openly shared and respected.”
Diversity and a welcoming atmosphere is the biggest priority for the group, in order to honor and celebrate all faiths and backgrounds.
The four-day workshop is open to anyone regardless of faith, age, or experience. Alena Reagan ’20, who has participated in the Gospel Choir since freshman year, explains that this diversity of participants is one of her favorite parts of the gospel community at St. Lawrence: “Every year I participate, I love meeting people from all over the North Country. Gospel music draws a wide range of people, ages, and talents and it’s always so interesting to find out how and why people have been drawn to it. Gospel music is unique in that it doesn’t use sheet music. Everything we do is by ear, which makes it easier to memorize the songs and it also makes gospel music uniquely available for anyone to learn.”
The workshop has been known to attract a significantly larger ensemble than the weekly choir that sings at gospel services every Sunday, which creates a striking atmosphere when everyone gathers to sing. The workshop will include learning and rehearsing music, talking about the historical and cultural significance of gospel and worship, and building a community among the singers.
The workshop culminates in a large, joyful performance on Sunday afternoon. Reagan has one word of advice: “If you’ve never been to a gospel service at SLU, you need to check it out! It is the perfect service for anyone, regardless of religious beliefs. Kathleen and Shaun will make you feel welcome the second you walk in the doors.”
The 15th Annual “Got Spirit?” gospel concert will take place at 4 p.m. in Gulick Theater on Saturday, free admission.