Corcoran Gospel Choir Connects Students to Faith and Friendship

“Let’s do a vocal warm up and then we’ll get to the benediction,” Corcoran Music Teacher Theresa Paul said as she directed a group of students in her music room to stand up.
 
“Let’s do the fun one,” a student piped up. Classmates nodded and laughed.
 
As they sang their way through scales and then belted out a powerful performance of ‘Wade in the Water,’ Ms. Paul noted with pride that she’s been leading this after school group – the Corcoran Gospel Choir – for at least nine years.
 
“Black history lives in gospel music,” Ms. Paul shared. “It allows us to connect more with the community. It’s a way for our students to be able to express that side of themselves.”
 
“I was already in a gospel choir in church, and that inspired me to join the one here at school,” senior Atorria Collins explained. “Growing up in a Christian home and having a relationship with God, gospel music is a comfort to me. My favorite thing about this group is that it helps me connect with others in my faith… it’s a no judgement zone.”
 
Students of all grades make up the Gospel Choir – and agree that the group offers a special sense of acceptance and encouragement.
 
“Growing up, I’d hear my mom play gospel music every weekend when she cleaned… so it was natural for me to join,” sophomore Daryon Summer added. “I can be myself when I’m singing gospel… and it makes my mom so ecstatic! The cool thing about gospel choir is that we all have different experiences in life and in religion… but seeing us all come together is really special. Gospel music is an equalizer. And it’s really a pick-me-up at the end of the day… we all walk out of here and sing all the way to the bus stop!”
 
The Corcoran Gospel Choir is currently preparing for a concert at Corcoran in December, a Naturalization Ceremony in December, and a Black History Month event at PSLA at Fowler in February. We look forward to cheering them on!