Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University will host the Ouachita Singers in concert on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is open to the public and admission is free.

"The fall concert is one of several the Ouachita Singers will perform this semester,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, chair of the division of music and director of choral activities. “They will also sing in four churches and perform in the OBU Festival of Christmas and the annual Lessons and Carols Service."

“I love Singers because it’s a group that encourages me every day,” said Jessie Sanders a senior music education major from Booneville, Ark. “During a busy day of class, the music we make is amazing and an experience I’ll always remember.  Plus, most of my friends are involved with me, and we get to travel to cool places like Italy.”

Ouachita Singers is a traveling choir and is open for anyone on campus to audition in the spring.  It encompasses freshmen to seniors and all majors. “Ouachita Singers has quite a few freshmen this fall and a new, fresh sound,” Gerber said.

“It’s a serious group of vocalists who care about music,” said Katelyn Helton, a sophomore musical theatre major from Grand Prairie, Texas. “The music is constantly challenging us, and Dr. Gerber won’t take anything less than a hundred percent.”

"The concert will include a variety of choral works from the Renaissance to the 21st century,” Gerber said.

The concert program will include “Dziedot dzimu, dziedot August” by Alfreds Kalnins, “O Lord, Increase My Faith” by Orlando Gibbons, “Ave Maria” by Javier Busto, “I Surrender All” arranged by Mark Hayes, “Ancient Nova” by Craig Courtney, “Luz Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre, “It Is Well with My Soul” arranged by David Schowoebel, “My Flight for Heaven” by Blake Henson, “I Am Not Yours” by David Dickau, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” arranged by Mark Hayes, “Let This Mind Be in You” by Craig Courtney, “Psalm 57” by John Tebay, “Shenandoah” arranged by James Erb, “The Gift to Be Simple” arranged by Bob Chilcott, “Hear My Prayer” by Moses Hogan, “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” by Moses Hogan and “Neighbors’ Chorus” by Jacques Offenbach.

“There’s just something about being around so many talented people who love singing that is so wonderful,” said Jacob Watson a senior musical theatre major from Wynne, Ark.

For more information about the concert or Ouachita Singers visit www.obu.edu/music or contact Dr. Gary Gerber at [email protected].