Group Performs

Eclectic ensembles gather and celebrateEryn OlsonTHE SANTA CLARApril 17, 2014[dropcap]M[/dropcap]usic filled the Mayer Theatre through Saturday evening as the Santa Clara Gospel Choir hosted its 7th Annual Gospel Fest and first annual Northern California mass university workshop. The year’s theme, “Living a Victorious Life,” guided a day filled with uplifting and energetic messages.The night’s performances began with a pre-recorded video of the Santa Clara Gospel Choir explaining what victory means to them, followed by a lively three-song medley from the group. Spurred by junior Eric Wu’s theatrical solo, the 15 members got the audience dancing, clapping and singing along. A variety of acts performed throughout the show, including Testimony A Cappella from Stanford University and C3 Church.This groundbreaking event was the first to bring university gospel choirs from around the Bay Area to collectively learn and perform songs. Junior sisters Adrielle and Desiree Williams, co-presidents of Santa Clara’s Gospel Choir, admitted that the event brought tears to their eyes.“Gospel music has so much variety and so much depth to it,” said Desiree Williams.  “Gospel music goes beyond the black community.”Each guest director was of a different nationality. Adrielle Williams  said that this event exemplifies Santa Clara’s mission of educating the whole person.“In terms of spirituality, gospel choir really nails that because of how diverse and how powerful it is,” said Adrielle Williams.  Contact Eryn Olson at eolson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.