Gardner-Webb University Chorales Invite Audience to ‘Come and See’

Concert on March 6 Features Individual and Combined Performances by The Webb Chorale and The Gardner Singers

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The University Chorales concert on Thursday, March 6, opens with “Come and See,” a piece composed by J. Reese Norris, which sets the theme for the entire program. Set for 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel, the free performance features two ensembles—The Gardner Singers and The Webb Chorale.

“‘Come and See’ is based on Psalm 66,” observed Dr. Eric G. Johnson, assistant professor of music and director of The Webb Chorale. “Reese is a great friend and a musical inspiration of mine. Through this work, he invites us to ‘Come and See’ the wonders that God has given, as we praise him for his mighty deeds and deliverance.”

The Webb Chorale is a group for treble voices, and The Gardner Singers, directed by Dr. Aaron M. Rice, Department of Music chair and associate professor, includes tenor and bass voices. The two groups meet and rehearse separately and occasionally combine for a program. “Both of these ensembles are for music majors and non-music majors with the majority being non-music majors,” Johnson related. “Dr. Rice and I structure these ensembles so that students are able to continue pursuing their musical passions that they had in prior educational and musical settings within their current academic loads. I tell the singers in Webb Chorale, that I want our time together each week to be a break from their ordinary.”

Ella Knowles, a soloist for one of the songs, is a senior English major. “I’m in love with the repertoire Dr. Johnson and Dr. Rice have put together for this year’s concert,” she praised. “I’ve been a member of The Webb Chorale for three years now and this semester’s is by far my favorite. The songs are so powerful and speak to some personal things God has been showing me over the past few months. I am elated to be a part of this show!”

She continued, “The concert is going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Our pieces are cohesive but at the same time all over the place. We’ve got blended pieces with male and female voices and some separate, which really creates a beautiful dynamic.”

The program features The Webb Chorale singing works by other American composers: Dan Forrest, Susan LaBarr, and Kyle Pederson. “These selections invite the audience to come and see different stylings, instrumental accompaniments, and text exploration,” Johnson noted.

Kylie Johnson, a senior biology major and member of The Webb Chorale, has enjoyed learning and practicing the songs. “The University Chorales are the perfect break from the busyness of the academic semester,” Johnson reflected. “People should attend the concert because it’s a great way to bring friends and family together.”   

Rice described the music that the tenor and bass voices will perform. “The Gardner Singers have been diligently preparing works by Samuel Sabastian Wesley, David Childs, and Tom Trenney,” Rice shared. “These pieces reflect on the human condition and our relatability to God through his work in Jesus Christ. The Gardner Singers will close its set with a setting of ‘The Solid Rock’ with gospel-inspired harmonies and featuring our collaborative artist, Alison Moore.”

He said the concert will end with another piece presented by both groups. “This work will feature soloists, Hannah Cochran, Ella Knowles, and Peter Moore,” Rice informed. “This evening of choral music is certain to encourage and inspire listeners.”

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.