Lorelei Murphree / Contributing Writer
Samford’s A Cappella choir is rooted in community, creativity, and worship. The choir is over 80 years old and performs traditional hymns and new music for their audiences.
The choir is world-renowned and has won several international competitions. At last year’s international competition in Budapest, the choir won all the categories it entered. The choir performs songs in English, German, Latin and French.
“I have learned a lot about music and vocal technique, while getting exposure to different types of music in other languages,” said former choir member Ethan Byrd.
This year, the choir will be singing mostly French and Renaissance pieces since it will be competing internationally in Paris, France.
The choir had its first choral vesper service on Friday, Jan. 31 in Hodges Chapel. A vesper is a service of evening prayer and worship. The 35 member choir holds monthly vespers the first Friday of the month in Hodges Chapel. In the vespers, the choir sings hymns, prays and a worship leader reads a Bible passage. At every service, choir members always perform the widely-favored “Beautiful Savior.”
This year’s theme is “intersection.” The choir wants to focus on connecting with the community and providing different examples of practice, service, creative thought and ministry. The a cappella choir is a refreshingly different sound. The rhythm and message of their music is said to soothe the soul.
Not only is the service peaceful, but Samford students receive convocation credit for attending.
“My favorite part about the a cappella choir was the friends that I made. It was the best choir I’ll ever be a part of,” Byrd said.
The choir consists mostly of undergraduate students and creates a close-knit group of friendships that will last a lifetime.
