In The News

from The Petersburg Progress-Index

ETTRICK - Twenty-four excited singers from the Virginia State Gospel Chorale left the campus on Wednesday on the first leg of their journey to Rome, where they will sing in a Christmas concert for Pope Benedict XVI.

Mechelle Luster, assistant director of the VSU group, says the Virginia State singers will offer three pieces: "Celebrate," "I'll Make It" and "O Happy Day."
Luster said, "The 24 singers were selected on the basis of performance, character and discipline." Some of the students sang in the same concert a year ago. The audience response last year was excellent. By Sunday they will be back on campus in Ettrick.
For Amanda Staten, a freshman from Hopewell. said, "This is my first trip to Rome. It is a great opportunity."

Kenisha Jefferson, a senior from Charles City, said, "It is amazing that I can participate in an enriching experience like this. It is just beautiful."
Shea Roane, a senior from Mechanicsville, said, "A person can't pass up an opportunity like this. I am excited."

Angenia Toodle, a senior from Woodbridge, said, "No one should pass up this type of opportunity. I took part in the concert a year ago, and it was great."
James Holden Jr., director of the VSU Gospel Chorale, said, "The concert will be recorded on Saturday and broadcast in Italy on Christmas Eve." It is expected that international audiences will pick it up.

The trip is sponsored by Arts Uptown Inc. of New York and Propaganda Musicale of Rome.
Holden said, "This is another excellent opportunity for the VSU students to perform for the newly elected pope. In previous years the opportunity at the pope's Christmas concert has allowed us to perform on the same stage with B.B. King, Chaka Khan, Dee Dee Bridgewater and other great artists from various countries."

There are 100 students in this year's Gospel Chorale and 24 were selected to make the trip to Rome. They sing anthems, hymns, spirituals, gospel and contemporary gospel music in various performances.

Holden said, "The Gospel Chorale is one of the most requested performing groups on the campus. Our primary mission is to provide gospel music for the university, family and community.

* Ben Bagwell may be reached at 732-3456, ext. 260.