Gospel Summit Oct. 20-21

Area singers are invited to join the Appalachian State University Gospel Choir for a rehearsal Oct. 20 at Boone United Methodist Church.

The rehearsal begins at 9 a.m. and will end at noon.

The Summit Choir will perform in concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21, at Boone United Methodist Church. The church is located on New Market Boulevard off U.S. 421 east.

The workshop will be led by members of the Hayes School of Music’s choral faculty: Keith McCutchen, director of the Gospel Choir; Priscilla Porterfield, director of the Treble Choir; and Steve Hopkins, director of the University Singers and Chamber Singers.

The Oct. 20 session will include a rehearsal session with the Gospel Choir, a brief history of gospel music, how to incorporate gospel selections into worship service, and vocal tips and training exercises from Porterfield.

The workshop and concert are free, but the choir will be accepting donations and sponsorships for upcoming events and scholarships.

For more information and copies of the music being performed, contact Ronnie Wise at (rondalewise@yahoo.com) or Boone United Methodist Church at (828) 264-6090.

The Gospel Choir has been a staple on campus and in the Boone community for many years, forming relationships with various churches and organizations throughout the community, McCutchen said, explaining the idea behind the summit.

“We want to engage in an experience that allows for a behind-the-scene experience, and a format for study and discussion of gospel music,” he said. “The summit offers the opportunity to experience the rehearsal process and also the experience of building community that comes as a result of singing this music.”