Charles Thomas Hayes, director of the College of Lake County Gospel Choir for two years, said he likes the energy and enthusiasm of the 30 singers and appreciates the same from the audience.
“We encourage the audience to join in if they want to sing along and clap along,” said Hayes, who also has directed the Chatham Choir Ensemble in Chicago since 1992, and serves as director of music at University Church in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
Hayes will lead the CLC Gospel Choir on Saturday in performing traditional spirituals and contemporary gospel music.
“We are doing a variety of music to celebrate the African-American experience,” he said. “We’re doing a traditional spiritual by William Dawson — he’s a name I like to note. He was a composer and choral conductor for many years and very famous for his traditional Negro spirituals. We’re doing ‘Ain’t-a That Good News.’ That’s one of his famous pieces.”
Hayes has also found three versions of “Ride the Chariot” by Chicago composer William Henry Smith. The full chorus will sing a cappella, then a trio.
“The harmony is very pretty and their voices blend well together,” Hayes said. “The trio gives the song a different sound and timbre and feeling compared with the full chorus.”
The final version includes full chorus with piano and drums.
“The series builds momentum,” Hayes said.
The choir will also sing a contemporary piece, “Mighty God,” written by Martha Munizzi.
“She happens to be a soulful white lady,” Hayes said. “I like the piece. It actually has a Jamaican beat to it. It’s not traditional gospel. It’s gospel with an international flair.”
Sandra Leconte, who founded the gospel choir at CLC some 20 years ago, rejoined the group within the past two years and will sing a solo in the piece, he said.
“She’s a Chicago public schools music teacher, which is where I met her years ago. She brings a lot of suggestions to the choir.”
For a change of pace, the choir will sing, “Prayer of Jabez Bless Me” by Donald Lawrence.
“It’s very peaceful and harmonious and has a message,” Hayes said. “It’s a prayer for blessings and inspirational encouragement.”
Student director and choir member James Markham will conduct a piece he rehearsed with the group.
The choir is diverse, with members who are African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American and Caucasian, he said.
“I live on the South Side of Chicago and I make that commute to rehearsal every Monday night, and it’s well worth it. I love my job there. The choir’s energy and attitude make my trip.”
He added it’s important to feature a gospel choir at venues like community colleges.
“We’re in a day and age now where, fortunately, many people are embracing racial diversity — its’ important to give that vehicle of expression a chance to spread itself in places where you may not expect to see that. Music transcends boundaries.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
CLC Gospel Choir Concert
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: James Lumber Center for Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
Tickets: $5-$6
Information: 847-543-2300; www.clcillinois.edu/tickets
