L ike Skotia, Celestial Singers (also known as the "Gospel Explosion") was an outgrowth of the observation of Black History month. It was a singing group cmnp9sed of 25 to 30 area residents and students which performed at various events. The group was both an outlet and a showcase for true "gospel" singing. Directed by Angela Dean first semester and Terrence Talley second, Celestial singers met roughly twice a week to rehearse and was relatively loosely structured. No auditions were required for entry, the only qualifications being the two t' s - time and talent (with a good helping of dedication as well). "If you want to be in the group, you just start showing up at the rehearsals. If you work hard and do well, you're in," explained Charlene Smith, a member. Celestial Singers, so named this year, began as part of the Black History program at Harding. Since music is such a large part of black American culture, and since blacks have contributed so much to music, organizers thought it would be appropriate to have a group which would specialize in traditional black forms. Originally, it performed only at the program, but has since expanded to include performances at local congregations, concerts, and even a chapel program. The group hoped that it gave Harding a taste of black culture through music, and helped promote understanding. "I think it's a really good group," said Smith. 'There's a lot of excitement about what we' re doing. We're so much on fire now that I don't think we'll ever be put out." Celestial Singers hoped that the increased attention and acceptance it received this year would continue to ·grow along with it in 1987. ,4 - Bill Rankin Voices of Praise Celestial Singers. Front row: Small, Thompson , Taylor, Christinson, Smith; second row: Manley , Perry , Beeson , Walker, Holt, Lewis, Clements, Collins; back row: Walker, Overstreet, Hart, Talley, Clark, Gregory, Smith. - photo by John Radcliffe. Brian Paul Grubbs - Butler, PA Brooke Lanae Hagood - Cleveland, TN Susan Kaye Hainzinger - Bartlesville, OK Judy Ellen Hale - Villanova , PA . Michael James Hall - Cusing, OK Rosa Kim Hall - Palestine , AR Christopher Allen Hammond - Little Rock, AR Karla Kay Hampton - Abilene , TX Crystal Hardy -Gul f Shores, AL Emily Jane Harlan - Fl orence , AL Gina Leigh Harper - Yadkinville. NC Barbara Jean Harrison - Green Bay, WI John Patrick Harrison - Texarkana, TX John Barret Hatvany - Ft. Walton Beach , FL David Roy Hawkins -Roanoke , VA Pamela Ann Hawkins - Cleveland Heights, OH Diane Renea Hayes - Conroe , TX Lyle Don Hayes - Altus, OK Tom Hamilton Hazelip - Sulphur Springs, TX Lee Andrea Heidbreder - Corning, AR Karen Kristi Heinselman - Dunwoody , GA William John Helms - Russellville , AR Suzanne Marie Henry - Belleville, IL Suzan Lynette Henson - Duncanville , TX Cruz Alberto Hernandez - Lufkin , TX Terry Lee Hester- Malden , MO Ronda Len Higbee - Searcy, AR David Lynn High - Douglass , KS Sophomores 203
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