The INSIDER - Fall 2022

THE TEXAS COLLEGE CHOIR RESOUNDINGLY RETURNS On Friday, August 19, at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, music brought together an entire congregation. From wall to wall, over 1,000 individuals, supporters, and performers alike, were moved in a way that could only be described as incredible. In a myriad of voices, one feeling resonated above all – passion. As hands lifted to the skies in praise, one message was heard loud and clear: the Texas College Choir was back. Since the COVID - 19 pandemic, the Texas College Choir has sought ways to make a comeback. Now, with the appointment of Charles Shaw, the Choir has been launched into a new direction. Shaw, bringing a wealth of experience as a gospel music promoter, was hired as Texas College’s Choir Director in January of 2022. With extensive experience in marketing and advertising, he plans to build up not only the Choir’s prominence in East Texas, but that of Texas College as well. To begin this journey, he started with “Bring Back the Choir.” “Bring Back the Choir was not just an event, it’s a movement,” Shaw said. This introductory performance afforded a glimpse into what the future holds for the Texas College Choir, announcing and promoting to the public that exciting changes are coming. Exciting, indeed. “Bring Back the Choir” featured national gospel recording artists Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis, as well as Zacardi Cortez as musical guests. In addition to the Texas College Choir’s own performance, the Choir also backed up national gospel recording artist Kelontae Gavin, a show of what the next generation truly has to offer. Since their initial concert in August, the Texas College Choir has hosted two additional events not to be missed, “Fight to Win” and “Gospel Explosion.” “Fight to Win” was an evening of music dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month that featured national recording artist Crystal Aikin. Then, remaining committed to the College’s faith - based founding, the Texas College Choir celebrated Homecoming 2022 with the “Gospel Explosion,” an evening of worship through gospel music that featured national recording gospel artist Earnest Pugh, as well as a special word delivered by Dr. Jamal Bryant, Pastor of New Birth Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The Texas College Choir is comprised of students of all classifications, and carries a strong mix of low, hearty bass accompanied by the crisp grace of soprano singers. In each performance, the audience audibly experienced these voices in full effect. “The next generation of musicians and singers are influenced and affected by something new, not something that is sitting still,” Shaw commented. “What’s to come will take the Texas College Choir to new heights.” The Choir’s next event, “A Christmas to Remember,” is scheduled for Monday, December 5, at 6:00 P.M. at the Plaza Tower in Tyler, featuring national recording artist Jessica Reedy. Admission is free.

The Texas College Choir’s previous event flyers (left).

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