On Saturday, Oct.  26, the Goshen College Music Department held its annual Fall Choral Concert. A tailgate hosted by the Campus Activities Council in the Music Center courtyard was a prelude to the concert itself. The tailgate provided snacks, refreshments and lawn games. 

Ella McLeod, a junior accounting major and member of the Campus Activities Council, said she wanted to “bring light to students that are going to be performing and … [bridge] the gap between the dorms and residents and the concerts at Sauder.” While the event was advertised to students on campus, the CAC generously opened up the event to the supportive friends and family that attended the concert. 

All of this was leading up to the concert, which brought a strong and beautiful sound to Sauder Concert Hall. Of course, this talent did not come without the proper preparation. 

Scott Hochstetler, professor of music and the conductor of Vox Profundi and Chamber Choir, said, “Students are juggling a lot … it’s a lot of work but we’ve got great students here.” 

Hochstetler pointed out the student progress from the beginning of the year. “It’s neat to see them struggling as we first start a song to, you know, Saturday,” Hochstetler said. All of the work did not go unrecognized. He added, “They just sounded comfortable and committed and really prepared.”

Hochstetler also gave his praise to assistant professor of music H. Roz Woll for the talent and preparation of her choir, Voices of the Earth, which also performed at the concert. 

Fatima Zahara, a senior theater and music double major, performed as part of Voices of the Earth and Chamber Choir. Zahara said, “There’s always a bit of nerves … but I always feel like it works out in the end.” 

Aysia Adkins, a junior music major in Voices of the Earth and Chamber Choir, said, “Our group dynamic and musical dynamic just comes alive when we get up on stage.”

Zahara emphasized the communal power of choir, expressing that “feeling the diversity and feeling the background … that everyone brings into choir is really something.” 

With these aspects in mind, the choir aimed to make everyone feel moved by lyrics and sound, as it is such an important part of music. Hochstetler said, “We have to treat those words as the tools to get the point across … to move people and try to spread hope and goodwill.” 

Regardless of hiccups or mistakes, the powerful and beautiful sound made it hard “to take away from people’s enjoyment,” Hochstetler said.