Gardner-Webb Hosts All-State Youth Choir of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

Group of High School Students to Present Free Concert on July 17 at 10 a.m. in Dover Chapel and Tour Surrounding Area

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The All-State Youth Choir (ASYC) of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) of North Carolina will be in concert on July 17 at 10 a.m. in Gardner-Webb University’s Dover Chapel. The theme of the concert is “Always,” based on Matthew 28:20B: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” and features a commissioned anthem by the same name. The event is free and open to the public.

Tyler Ingram, a member of the ASYC planning team, said the program includes a variety of choral music genres such as hymnody, contemporary, spirituals, and others. Maureen Howell was asked to write “Always” to celebrate 25 years of ASYC. This year’s director is Steven Thomason, who is the first alumni to lead the group.

Through the years, the ASYC has stayed at Gardner-Webb several times. In addition, GWU’s Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music, Dr. Aaron Rice, directed the group last year.

“We are excited to be back at GWU, as we have always had a good experience when staying there,” Ingram noted. “We are grateful for the wonderful hospitality and partnership of the Bulldogs!”

The group is made up of ninth- through 12th-graders from across North Carolina who audition to join. Sunday, July 13, through Wednesday, July 16, the choir will rehearse and participate in activities on campus. “When Thursday arrives, we begin to share in concerts and other ministry activities in the area and across western N.C.,” Ingram offered. “This year we look forward to serving in a food bank, exploring the Tryon International Equestrian Center, and of course, our evening concerts at various churches.”

The tour schedule includes:

• July 17 – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, Lincolnton, N.C.
• July 18 – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, Marion, N.C.
• July 19 – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, Forest City, N.C.
• July 20 – 11 a.m., First Baptist Church, Albemarle, N.C.
• July 20 – 6 p.m., Ardmore Baptist in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Phil Campbell has served as coordinator for the choir since 2009, starting out as a member of the planning team in 2002. “I fell in love with the entire concept of ministry through music on this level,” he reflected. “God has truly blessed this organization in many ways. We are under the umbrella of the CBF and have their total support.”

The group receives a small gift from CBF along with donations from private donors and churches. “We do have to raise our own funds, and students pay their own way to be a part of the choir, and some receive help from their churches,” Campbell stated. “It has been very humbling to coordinate such an awesome team of youth and adults.”

For more information about the choir or to make a donation, email [email protected].

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.