Oberlin’s Gospel Choir will have their annual concert held this Tuesday, May 6th, at 7:30PM in Finney Chapel. Having looked forward to attending, I was disappointed to discover I had scheduled another concert at the same time. In light of this oversight, I chatted with my alto friend Tali Goelman one night prior to the performance to get a sense of what I would miss out on.
Having not grown up singing gospel music, Goelman enjoys the exciting change of pace, noting the array of emotions, from exciting and uplifting to somber and reflecting tragedy. “Coming from a background of music where people stand still and read from the book, it’s been interesting to feel more musicality in the songs we are singing and to embrace it. The music, regardless of what people’s spiritual beliefs are, brings people together — I can feel the excitement in the room.” Some pieces will also include choreography, like step-touching and clapping.
One of Goelman’s favorite pieces is famous Oberlin alum Nathaniel Dett’s Listen to the Lambs. “It’s a slower piece, and since there were not enough tenors, I was asked to sing tenor 1. I enjoy having a bit of a solo moment, if you will.” Each week, the choir received one new song to learn, though not in concert order. “My other favorite songs were the last three we learned — it was like one after another,” Goelman said. “Our opener, Kirk Franklin’s Hosanna, is very upbeat and the instrumentals really tie everything together — I am really trying not to break out into song right now.” She also explained, “Malcolm Williams’s The Blood Still Works is another lively song. There are instrumentals, but they drop out halfway through to allow the choir to continue in their own groove. The altos only sing one note then, but it’s fine, it’s worth it!” She is also excited to perform Donald Lawrence’s Jehovah Sabaoth, mentioning she likes the harmonies and how the soloist ties the piece together.
“The songs aren’t necessarily related to each other, but a lot of them have messages of hope and overcoming barriers, which I think can be pretty relevant to today’s world.”
“This is my second year in Gospel Choir. A friend recommended I join, and I am so glad I chose to participate.” Goelman also noted how last year was impactful to her — they performed a song from Omar, inspiring her to take part in the full production when the opera came to Oberlin.
Be sure to attend their concert this Tuesday evening in Finney Chapel for a fun night to remember — if you are not performing in another concert at the same time!
thecounterpoint.org 