Smiling big, stomping feet and clapping hands to the beat.
Taylor University is filled with praise to the Lord as the gospel choir continues to grow in numbers.
With approximately 20 people participating last year, the gospel choir has grown to over 50 people this semester. The numbers do not seem to be slowing down as people continue to bring their friends to witness what gospel choir can do for the soul.
“I think we’re upwards - I think we’re more at about 60, which is mind blowing,” Tia Cavanaugh-Goggans, director of the gospel choir, said.“Mind blowing. “That’s just nothing but God.”
Junior,Lua Bleah, the music director, said a big factor for their rise in numbers is due to their chapel appearances, where people witness their energy.
Another factor he mentioned is Cavanaugh-Goggans encourages the choir to really believe the lyrics and not just sing them.
While becoming director was not her first intention, Cavanaugh-Goggans took on the role of director after noticing there was more that could be done to improve the choir.
Mentoring and assisting the choir was her focus until the time came when they needed someone to lead them after two seniors graduated.
Cavanaugh-Goggans’ main intention is to bring the Gospel back to the gospel choir.
“I wanted to change the makeup of the choir, which is why I changed it to a community feel,” Cavanaugh-Goggans said. “So now we’ve got staff, faculty, Taylor community members and children.”
Sophomore Charity Frommeyer, assistant director of gospel choir, said they began putting the gospel choir into announcements through Taylor University and more.
Frommeyer worked side by side with Cavanaugh-Goggans on reaching out to the community, such as local churches and families within the choir.
Through it all, Cavanaugh-Goggans gives their growing choir number credit to God.
She reflected on one of her favorite songs, “Way Maker” by Leeland: God is working, and when he is involved things take off, she said.
Cavanaugh-Goggans emphasized it is not to put on a show; it is not to put on a performance; the gospel choir’s obligation is to invite the Spirit into worship.
Bleah echoes this idea and hopes when they do sing,the motive is geared towards God.
“It’s so beautiful the way that we’re able to come together and worship God in such a beautiful way,” Frommeyer said. “We’re all just pouring our hearts out to God.”
Cavanaugh-Goggans shared how during the days of slavery, many Americanswere illiterate. They could not read or write. Words were memorized which brought about the repetitive style of gospel choir.
They believed God would bring them out of slavery, so they cried out with their hearts and their souls Cavanaugh-Goggans said. Though they were terribly oppressed, they still found joy.
“Gospel choir is soulful, happy, rhythmic and fun. You can’t see me because my back is to the congregation, but I’m smiling,” Cavanaugh-Goggans said. “I’m making goofy faces because I want them to exude joy, and I believe that joy and happiness are contagious.”
One thing Bleah said he loves about the choir is that people choose to be there. They felt led and wanted to sing praises in a unique way. He hopes the group continues to grow because he knows God is using this group.
The gospel choir has had to question where to meet as they are outgrowing their designated space, but Cavanaugh-Goggans will continue to accept more people this spring semester.
“Gospel choir is a ministry,” she said. “You don’t really need to be able to sing, you just need to have the desire to worship and share God’s music with people.”
