Buffalo State’s Spirit Gospel Choir has expanded from singing to dancing and is accepting anyone who wants to join.
Founded in 1995 as the Spirit Gospel Ensemble, this student-run organization has built up a reputation in the SUNY system and has been recognized as one of the most talented performance groups at venues such as churches, concerts and other conventions all over New York State,according to their Facebook page.
Fueled by the passion of its members, the choir officially changed its name from Ensemble to Choir one year after it was founded.
Spirit stands for Students Praising in Rhythm and in Truth.It is a Christian-based choir that focuses on praising God and vocalizing His messages.
Brandon Dunkley, a junior resident assistant in Porter Hall majoring in hospitality administration, is the group’s minister of music. The minister of music is the group’s leader and has many responsibilities.
Dunkley handles all aspects of the music, from what the choir will be singing to teaching the songs to the members.
“It does get pretty crazy sometimes,” Dunkley said.
Rachel Algbedo, president of Spirit, is a sophomore. Along with the choir, she plays lacrosse and volleyball.
“I am a forensic chemistry major,” she said, “and balancing my time can feel overwhelming but multitasking is a good skill to have.”
Another member, Charlene Browne, a junior majoring in math education, is the group’s vice president.
When the president isn’t around to carry out her duties, Browne takes over.
Browne’s duties include scheduling meetings for the group’s executive board.
Anyone is welcome to join Spirit, regardless of experience.
“No talent is required,” Browne said.
She did say that some expression of faith is required to join. There’s a guaranteed spot in the roster andleaders of Spirit will teach inexperienced new members everything they need to know about singing and performing.
Performing in front of large amounts of people can get pretty nerve-wracking sometimes, so the guidance is always available, Browne said.
She said her favorite part about performing is “the feeling I get when I sing for people, pleasing the audience and how they feed off our energy, and also being part of a community.”
Belonging to a group of people that is relatable can bring comfort, she said. Spirit also has a variation in ages, from a handful of freshman all the way up to the seniors.
Although Spirit was established as a music-centered club, it slowly became a troupe for entertainment involving “a dance group,” Dunkley said.
It isn’t all about the music, he said, and there’s a visual aspect to Spirit now.
The group also participates in community service projects.
Planting, gardening and “habitat beautification” is the group’s other focus, Dunkley said. Helping the homeless is also a plan for the near future, Brandon said.
For homecoming, Spirit sang for a great turnout, kicking off the season for many on-campus happenings.
Spirit week for the Buffalo State Bengals has officially begun. The choir will perform at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21st in the Bulger Communication Center. This is the group’s first major event, Algbedo said.
Devon Gabner can be reached by email at gabner.record@live.com.