Gospel music concert excites audience in Neal-Marshall Grand Hall

Audience members shouted, “Thank you Jesus,”  as the singers stomped their feet and raised their hands up to the sky, swaying back and forth.

This wasn’t a typical Sunday service, as dozens of people filled the Grand Hall of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center dressed in blazers and slacks, ready to praise the Lord.

The groups SoulACE, Sojourner and God’s Progress brought smiles, finger snapping and audience participation that went beyond that of most choral performances. The performers called on the  the audience to join in by shouting their praise and singing along.

The songs dated back to the 1950s with musical styles like “Nearer My God to Thee” and “Your Steps are Ordered”.

“Today’s about taking chances,” Sophomore Bruce Donnell said, welcoming the guests of the evening.  

The men in Soul ACE started off the night, followed by the harmonic belting from the ladies in Sojourner, who filled the venue by incoporating people dancing along the sides of the room. God’s Progress brought some slower tunes to stage, then did some choreography and improvisation with some quicker songs.

“I’ve always enjoyed their energy,” said Jeanne Novotny, IU staff member in the education department. “You can sort of let go if you want to, when the music makes you want to move.”

First year member of God’s Progress, Daysha Menefield, said the performance went better than she had anticipated.

“Even if you’re not of this religion, you can still come praise with us to the uplifting music,” Menefield said.

Fellow member Ramone Singfield Jr. said he likes to praise the Lord any way he can and gets meaning out of the songs he sings with the group.

“If you listen to the words it will definitely get you through some hard and trying times,” Singfield said.

McCutchen said that one of the goals the groups strive to work on is perfecting their stage presence.

“We teach them how to develop the ability to look and feel natural in the midst of being under pressure,” McCutchen said.

The natural chemistry between the performers can be seen on and off stage, as the group gathers for dinners, movie nights and other social gatherings.

“It’s like we’re a family,” Donnell said.

McCutchen said he encourages anyone who is interested to audition for the groups at the beginning of each semester.

“There’s something for any type of voice without being too far out of your comfort zone,” McCutchen said,