Moriah Mason / Staff Writer
Founded in 1939, the A Cappella Choir has been enriching lives through their campus performances. Samford students and their families will have a chance to hear this world-renowned choir during homecoming weekend on Nov. 8.
On Nov.1, the choir performed a choral vesper in the Divinity Chapel. At choral vespers, the choir sings hymns, worship leaders recite Bible passages, and the audience participates by reciting gospel readings.
According to their informational pamphlet, “The choir’s campus performances have been centered around a monthly service of Vespers, a worship event that formally combines the university’s sacred spaces.”
Not only have they enriched Samford’s campus, but have also done performances in other states and countries.
According to the pamphlet, “The choir performed at the 2018 Southern Regional Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Louisville, KY where they received two standing ovations,” as well as the 2018 Laurea Mundi festival and competition in Budapest, Hungary and received awards in each category they entered.
For this homecoming weekend, the choir will perform a variety of songs from different genres.
“They contain a variety of different choral genres and composers, so no two songs are alike! Some of them are in foreign languages. We have a few English, Latin, and German,” Jones said.
Copeland agreed with Jones, saying “We sing difficult music from different eras. There is something for everyone at our concerts!”
While Jones is excited for the choir’s upcoming performance, she discussed how her passion for the choir led to a future profession in choral directing.
“The choir is honestly a big family. We love and support each other which is so special. Representing the school is such a pleasure.” said Jones “Because of being a part of this choir I have decided to pursue a career in choral directing so I hope to have a choir of my own one day!”
Not only is Jones satisfied with the choir, Copeland also added that his expectations are always met.
“My expectations rise every year with the A Cappella Choir and the group is always able to meet the standard,” Copeland said, “The choir gets better every year.”
However, while Copeland is satisfied with the choir’s performance, Jones feels that the choir should receive more recognition.
“We work so hard and have travelled to recruit for Samford and have brought the Samford name to Europe to be recognised. It would be so great if more students and faculty attended our concerts and monthly Vespers so that we feel appreciated and supported,” said Jones.
The A Cappella Choir will be having their 80th Anniversary Reunion Concert on Nov. 8 in Reid Chapel at 5:30 p.m.
To register for this event, visit https://www.samford.edu/alumni/homecoming.
