7. Campus Hard or Feature News

Southern Arkansas University's 'Sacred' Choir Concert

    On Friday, October 18, at 7 p.m., the Southern Arkansas University Department of Performing Arts and Mass Communication presented “Sacred”, a choir concert consisting of SAU (FB) Heritage Singers, SAU Chamber Singers, and Southwest Arkansas Chamber Singers. The music chosen for the performance was selected with the intent of “celebrating the sacred in our lives.” Fittingly, the concert was held in Magnolia’s First United Methodist Church, which has served as a sacred space for much of the community since its organization in 1853.

Magnolia, AR First United Methodist Church

    Upon arriving, the audience members were greeted at the door by Heritage Choir (FB) members, who provided them with a program booklet containing a list of the night’s music and which respective choirs and accompaniment would be performing each. A page containing notes about the program was included in the booklet as well, providing insightful background information on the music and its composers, as well as serving to further immerse the reader in the concept of the concert. 

 

     The choirs were conducted by Dr. Justin Nelson, SAU’s Director of Choral Activities. The performance included piano accompaniment from Michael Womack (SAUMAG) and other instrumental accompaniment on select songs. The performance began with all the choirs before allowing each group individually to perform, showcasing each choir’s skills, and the ending again combined on a dense and powerful note. 

    The first group, Heritage Singers, is SAU’s general mixed ensemble, which has seen growth with this year’s freshman class. Chamber Singers consists of members from Heritage Singers who possess more advanced musical ability and talent. Southwest Arkansas Chamber Singers (FB) is the newest addition to SAU’s catalog of choirs, formed in the fall of 2023. This group includes various community members, Southern Arkansas University staff and alumni.

    The concert (FB) included a mix of both contemporary compositions and more classical compositions. The audience was brought into the performance throughout, including a refrain the audience was encouraged to sing along with, as well as clapping the gospel-esque rhythm of the closing song. 

    The music collection was varied in mood, with somber, angry, upbeat, and playful emotions all being touched upon, exploring both the sacred and its absence. Southwest Arkansas Chamber member Grant Baker described the Heritage Singers as “A choir with tons of energy and enthusiasm. Heritage singers have improved tenfold ever since I’ve graduated!”, an attestation to the growth of SAU’s choir program and the quality of their performances.

Dr. Justin Nelson (SAU Choir Director)

    The event was a success, with the large church filled with community and family members coming to enjoy music and support their loved ones and the university. Southern Arkansas University’s Department of Performing Arts has one more performance in line for the fall semester titled “Sounds of the Season”, which will be held on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m. at Magnolia High School Performing Arts. The event will also include the SAU Wind Ensemble, Musical Theater, and Magnolia High School Chamber Choir, allowing for a sonically diverse, community-facilitating event.