Gospel choir brings its sound to Wabash


February 23, 2009 · 10:55 PM

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

Seattle Pacific University alumna Valerie McKay is hosting the Seattle Pacific University gospel choir at 5 p.m. March 8 at Wabash Presbyterian Church.

The 65-voice choir, under the direction of Stephen Michael Newby, will perform a rare “south end” concert for the public. This event is free, however donations will be accepted to help the concert raise money for a trip to perform in Boston in late March.

“It’s a wonderful concert with a big sound,” McKay said of the performing group which was started three to four years ago. “They have a Detroit-sounding gospel sound with lots of energy.”

Newby is a native of Detroit. He received his bachelor of arts in vocal music education and flute performance from Madonna College in Livonia, Mich. His master’s in music in jazz composition and arranging was earned from the University of Massachusetts. He completed his doctorate in composition at the University of Michigan, where he studied with William Albright, Michael Daugherty, George Wilson, Fred Lerdahl and Pulitzer Prize winners William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett.

“As an alumnus I represent the third generation of SPU graduates and am very excited to have this wonderful group coming to perform on the Plateau,” McKay said.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.

blog comments powered by Disqus