Uniuersity Singers The love of music and Christian fellowshi p brought the University Singers together to sing praises to the Lord. Under the direction of Dr. Cliff Ganus III, professor of music, Uni– versity Singers was made up of 56 members and allowed anyone inter– ested in singing the opportunity to perform, both on and off campus. Although an actual audition was not required, Ganus required stu– dents to sing a type of hearing, in order to place members in parts ac– cording to vocal ability. "It's a challenge to be in such a diverse group that ch anges from se– mester to semester," senior Althea Pate said . "I like the relaxed setting where you can use your g ift to glo– rify God." University Singers dedicated their time twice a week to learn their mu– sic and prepare for upcoming per– formances. The group sang selections from a wide range of music, includingspiri– tuals, international pieces, pop, con– temporary Ch ristian and various Dr. Cliff Ganus, professor of music, di– rects during a chorus rehearsal. In January the chorus participated in the Christian Col– lege Choral Festival at Faulkner University. (Photo by Russ Phillips) Sophomore Adam Bledsoe and Chuck Hicks,associateprofessorofmusicand spon– sor of the Good News Singers, laugh during a rehearsal. The Good News Singers used harmony and new arrangements to deliver their message. (Photo by April Clem) • • 190 organizations other kinds of musica I genres. This year, University Singers pre– sented African pieces, "Jabula Jesu" and "0 Sifuni Mungu," and spiritu– als "Deep River" and "Walk To– gether, Children." They a lso sang a number of contemporary Christian pieces, including "Great is the Lord:' "Shine, Jesus Shine" and "We Bow Down." UniversitySingers performed nu– merous times throughout the year on campus and embarked on a vari– ety of road trips. Some of the places the group vis– ited included churches across the South. They also participated in the Christian College Choral Festival at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. in January. University Singers not only pro– vided an avenue for music, but also the opportunity for various social activities. The fall semester began with an ice cream social and a game of kickball. The spring semester brought new activities. Some of these get-togethers included weekend trips and a formal banquet, organized by the offic– ers. "I enjoyed my firstyearso much," junior Marcal Eilenstein, vice presi– dent of University Singers, said. ;;1 loved learning how to sing as an ensemble, making great friends and getting to perform music for people so much that I decided to stick with it." With various interests and ma– jors, students in UniverSity Singers brought a wid~ range of talents and prior singing experience to the group. " It is interesting especially with the talent aspect," Eilenstein said. "Some of us have been in choral groups and there are some who ju st know the bare essenti als to si ng– ing. But Dr. Ganus brings us all together and it works really well." Ganus was positive about the ensemble and said the sectiona l at– tendance and hard work of the members paid off. Ganus a lso showed his enth usiasm about the group's cohesiveness and diversity. -Elizabeth Nichols and Heidi Walden
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