On April 3, the Sacred Heart University Choral Program hosted a livestream event called “GospelFest: Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow.”
“Be sure not to miss this inspirational, energetic and uplifting program featuring the SHU Choral Program and guests in this presentation of Gospel music selections. A highlight of the year,” stated the Sacred Heart Events Calendar.
COVID-19 has affected different aspects of campus life this year, including the Sacred Heart Choral Program. The choirs have had to make adjustments to GospelFest and other events this year.
“Because of the limitations associated with COVID-19, our rehearsal times are more limited, and the amount of music we can present on video is a bit less. But, as evidenced by the final concert, the enthusiasm, fun, and energy associated with this yearly concert still comes through,” said John Michniewicz, Director of Choral Programs.
Michniewicz said, “I was very proud of the efforts of all of our singers, soloists, and choral directors who really went above and beyond to present their individual parts in an engaging, energetic and uplifting way.”
This event had an uplifting style of music with songs like “The Storm is Passing Over,” “We Have Hope” and “Wanna be Happy.” All of the songs preached messages of hope, happiness and unity.
“I participated in the event to bring hope that the pandemic is almost over, and we need to be strong together to deal with these hard times,” said junior Connor Rossi, a member of the Gospel Choir.
“The theme of this year’s GospelFest Concert was Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow, which perfectly represents what everyone needs to hear. The importance of this event is to express through music the feeling of hope,” said Choir President, senior Sara Terpak.
“I personally love Gospel music because it has such a spiritual, uplifting, empowering movement to it. Especially with these music choices in our choir performance and putting out faith in the universe to ‘Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow,’” said Terpak. “Just as the choir members at the end of the concert say, ‘Everything will be okay,’ ‘Always look up.’ Even if today feels like the end of the world, remember there is always tomorrow.”
The Sacred Heart Choral Program includes the Concert Choir, the SATB Ensemble called “4 Heart Harmony,” the SSAA A Capella Ensemble called “Blended Hearts,” the TTBB A Capella Ensemble called “The SHUpermen,” the Gospel Choir and the Liturgical Choir.
Terpak said, “Ever since the beginning of the spring semester, all of the choirs have been practicing the Gospel music. I’m currently in three different choirs which include Liturgical, Gospel, and 4-Heart Harmony. Each choir had two pieces of music to learn and rehearse. Each choir student had to record themselves singing the music on their phones or laptops to send in to their director. After the audio was put together, each group got recorded for the visual aspect and then linked up the audio to the visual.”
For the song “Now Us” sung by the Gospel Choir, special guest President Dr. John Petillo joined in and sung along with the choir in what was one of the most uplifting songs of the concert.
“Being a part of Gospel Choir with Dr. Petillo has given me the opportunity to build a meaningful friendship with him, practicing with him every week,” said Rossi. “To me, it shows how much the faculty cares about the students at Sacred Heart and specifically how much Dr. Petillo cares for the students.”
“COVID-19 has impacted choir tremendously. Each group would all rehearse for about two hours twice a week. Now each section will meet with the director for thirty minutes having the students in masks and social distancing,” said Terpak. “Even though choir looks and feels a little different, it still makes me happy I get to participate in this program.”
