Gospel Choir Performs for Community Service

The North Carolina A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir is known for its oustanding performances.

Led by director Mr. Ronald Jones, the Fellowship Gospel Choir and its members have won several awards. Some of their achievements include 5 awards from the National Black Caucus Gospel Choir Competition which was held in Brooklyn, NY. The choir performs at various venues on campus, aroudn the city of Greensboro, and also other locations around the country. Most recently, the Fellowship Gospel Choir put on a community service concert in Harrison Auditorium on the campus of A&T on Saturday, November 7.

The performance was an informatice production for community service which focused on the disease Multiple Sclerosis. As audience members entered Harrison Auditorium, they had the option of taking information about Multiple Sclerosis as well as giving a donation toward research that could find a cure for the condition.

During the show, there was a video shown that gave information on the effects of MS as well as how to control it. There were 2 speakers, Becky Dolinger and Chris Roe, two women in their mid-60's who have Multiple Sclerosis. They spole about the disease and how it personally affects them. They also performed a piano piece. Among other people in attendance was Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson who gave the welcome address, the Wake Artistry which was a group of violinist from Raleigh, NC also performed.

The North Carolina A&T Gospel Choir performed last, which to some audience members such as Keyana Shyrier seemed like forever. "The show started at 4p.m., there were performances from various local artists, and then there were was a Christian comedian. At first it was interesting, but then it got boring. I only came to see the gospel choir; I didn't know it was a show for a cause."

It seemed as if members of the gospel choir also were unaware that the show was for a cause. Singer Marcus Walker explains, "We have been here since 10a.m., I am tired, hungry, and ready to leave. I invited some friends who are starting to complain. I didn't know the show was going to be this long. Although it is for a cause it needs to have a time limit."

Starting at 4p.m., the show didn't end until around 7p.m. which left a few people unhappy. the Gospel Choir put on an outstanding performance as usual. However, "for future references they should shorten the show."