The twinkling sound mirrors the piece written gospel singer Kirk Franklin. Surrounding the pianist stands a diverse choir of her fellow students who begin to sing Franklin’s “Imagine Me” softly. Their voices blend in that magical way that choirs do and some members close their eyes to feel what they are singing about.
As the lyrics “Being strong and not letting people break me down/ You won’t get that joy this time around/ Can you imagine me?” are sung, their voices increase. Once the bridge kicks in the harmonies all begin to build up and as the song continues and everyone in the room can feel the emotions of each and every lyric.
The air is filled with a special energy and the message behind the song is highlighted by the high notes the sopranos hit, the soulful continuous melody of the altos and tenors, and the power behind the bass section. As the song fades out, the emotions that were just evoked still remain. For one second there is an emotional silence until the choir director gives her comments.
This is only one of the many memories I have as a member of Elizabethtown College’s Gospel Choir, Fully Devoted. The emotions I experienced while singing were unlike anything I’ve felt at while at college. Founder and director Rachel Hadrick worked her magic over the voices of the students in choir which allowed us to produce the moving sounds that we were known for on campus.
Having an outlet such as gospel choir was something very special, and unfortunately for the rest of the semester, it will be discontinuing and we are unsure of the direction it will go in the future. Hadrick, who also works in the campus’ Residence Life and Multicultural Affairs, will be leaving Elizabethtown to pursue a master’s degree.
So what is the future for Fully Devoted?
Many members are optimistic about what will happen to the club: “I feel like as long as there is a group of students here on campus who want to sing something that is overflowing with energy, something that not only wakes them up but also gives life to the audience, to sing something that is so different from the music that one normally sings in formal choirs; there is a definite chance for Gospel Choir to start back up again,” said junior member Joseph Klinger, who has been a member since his freshman year.
Junior Shaday Festus who has also been a member of the choir since her freshman year is overall optimistic as well, relying on her faith: “I think fully devoted [has] a future. Rachel Hadrick has done a wonderful job and I believe that we should not be discouraged. We should praise him through song and therefore we will not be ignored because we are more than [able to] conquer."
Klinger preserves the special atmosphere and good nature of the choir within his memories: “One of my best memories from Gospel Choir might be from my sophomore year. It could have been from any number of practices but whenever we would sing this one song, each one of the members would put their heart and soul into it. We would clap, stomp, and sing.”
He explained that members would go beyond the lyrics of the song and do things in the moment:
“They would start making sounds that one might hear in a tribal African spiritual dance outside of Moshi, Tanzania. The sound would almost shake Leffler down to the ground. Every time I would leave choir, no matter what sort of mood I was in getting there, I would always be filled with energy and it was nearly impossible for me to sit still for the next hour.”
Decrease in Members
In years previous, Fully Devoted was a large group of 20 to 30 members. In 2009, the majority of the choir was graduating seniors and this year it seems Fully Devoted has not been as “full” with members as its final rehearsals consisted of 4-6 members.
“I didn't go as often as I wanted to this year, and I'd be so sad if I lost that chance forever,” commented sophomore Claire Sedney who just joined in 2009.
There are many appealing qualities to the choir and yet new membership was lacking.
Festus believes that the choir stands out the most amongst other singing groups on campus: “What one does not realize is the fact that we are not just singing, we are worshiping through song. We are giving our father in heaven the praise that he deserves.”
Klinger points out that size did not affect the current members: “The remaining members formed a small group; a small group that was still filled with passion and energy but no longer enough to shake Leffler to the ground.”
As a solid group, even if the practice wasn’t well attended, no one could deny that the feelings were still present.
Messages to Rachel and Members
Everyone in gospel choir has the utmost respect for Hadrick: “She demonstrated that if you have a passion for something, no matter great or how small that passion is, or how unpopular or how amazing it may appear to be; if you have a passion, you need to pursue it,” said Klinger.
“Her passion for worshiping has influenced not only [me] but others as well,” said Festus, “[She] brought culture, energy and acceptance to Fully Devoted letting each and everyone realize that God does not discriminate.”
Festus also shares a message to the entire group: “Fully Devoted; we have made it through a rough semester but know that our journey has not ended. We must continue to praise him through song. You all have gifts that you should use. I have enjoyed the voice of each and every one of ya'll and know that Fully Devoted will unite again.”
