Napier Gospel Choir

ABOUT US
The Napier Gospel Choir (NGC) is a newly formed choir based at Napier University in Edinburgh. The choir, whose repertoire consists mainly of contemporary gospel tunes, will kick off with the first rehearsal at 7pm on Wednesday, 14th November 2007.

OUR AIM
To be a contemporary gospel choir that brings music lovers together, foster friendships and develop talents, as well as project a positive image of Napier through music.

OUR VALUES
We love, respect and accept every one for who they are and treat every one as equal. We recognize that everyone has an important role to play and do encourage every one accordingly.

WHO CAN BECOME A MEMBER?
Students, non-students, staff, friends of Napier, any one, really! If you enjoy gospel music, then that’s you in!

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Just come along to the rehearsal. We welcome everyone! There is a short registration form to fill which you can request using the contact info behind. Otherwise just come along to the rehearsal; the forms will be there. However unsure you think of your singing abilities and the shape of your voice, we will do our best to help. We encourage every one to try singing lead vocals or solos and build confidence in their singing and, most of all, to have fun.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO JOIN?
As required by the Napier Students Union there is an annual joining fee of £5 for the 2007/2008 academic year. Feel free to come along and try before deciding to join.

ARE THERE ANY AUDITIONS?
No! There are no auditions, no pressure or special requirements. We only help with voice positioning to determine your part (that is, if by any chance you have no idea about where you belong). The rest is just fun!, really!

WHAT TYPE OF SONGS DO YOU SING?
Basically, we sing contemporary gospel songs.

WHAT IS GOSPEL MUSIC?
Gospel music is a musical genre characterized by dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) referencing lyrics of a religious nature, particularly Christian (Wikipedia). This is not the type of music that is sung while standing still (Alexander L’Estrange), which is why we would introduce simple choreographies or gestures while performing most songs. Urban contemporary gospel is a subgenre of the gospel music with roots in spirituals that constitute a vibrant fusion of African folk music and European hymns, pioneered by African-Americans on from the early 20th century.

WHAT ARE THE NATURE, CONTENT AND SOURCE OF THE SONGS?
Most of the songs include strong lead vocals with heavy three part harmonies - usually soprano, alto and tenor. The songs are normally accompanied (piano and/or Hammond organ, drums, bass guitar, electric guitar and sometimes brass) but there could be a cappella pieces as well. The content reflects expressions of every day emotions and hope of a christian nature. The songs are drawn from famous African-American gospel composers, [the likes of Kirk Franklin], movie sound tracks, as well as original pieces.

MUST I BE A CHRISTIAN?
Not at all! Even though gospel music is rooted in Christian beliefs, we welcome every one regardless of your faith. We are not trying to convert anyone. We believe that you do not have to be a Christian to be able to love and enjoy gospel music. Some of us love God, some of us just love gospel music (RRGC).

MUST I BE ABLE TO READ MUSIC?
No! Although there are music scores, most of the songs will be learned by rode (by ear). The lyrics of all the songs are compiled in a booklet form. However, sheet music for most of the songs will be made available to anyone who requires or requests it.

HOW WILL MY LEARNING AND SONG MASTERY BE ASSISTED?
Each chorister will be given a booklet containing the lyrics of all the songs. The Music Director who teaches the songs during rehearsal will ensure we are all in good harmony and improving all the time. In addition, you will also receive a CD containing most of the songs so you can play it at home or your mobile phone or MP3 player and.. you know, just sing along and practice at your leisure. We encourage every chorister to learn the songs off by heart so as to cultivate the habit of not using song sheets on stage. It also helps if you have to do choreographies.

WHAT IF I WANT TO JOIN BUT DO NOT WANT TO SING?
No worries! There are lots of other things you can do. If you play a musical instrument, then that is even great! The choir will have a section for musicians and another for singers. If you are a choreographer, that is kool. If you just want to help in any of the several committee work (publicity, administration, etc) or technical (website development, sound, light, costumes, photography, etc.) that is also fine! We recognise the importance of every contribution.

WHO MANAGES THE CHOIR?
The choir is managed by the choir! We believe in helping each other out and helping our selves. We recognize and respect the role that every individual plays in the choir. Officially, we comply with the provisions of the Napier Students’ Association that regulate societies and clubs. We have organised committees for task distribution. More information on the committees will be made available.

I LIKE THE IDEA OF THE GOSPEL CHOIR. I WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED OR HELP BUT THE NATURE OF MY JOB AND OTHER COMMITMENTS DO NOT PERMIT ME TO BECOME A REGULAR MEMBER.
Please get in touch! We would do our best to incorporate you in our major activities and keep you informed regularly.

I AM A MUSIC PROFESSIONAL AND CAN HELP THE CHOIR WITH CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISMS AND USEFUL ADVICE OR EVEN ORGANISE GIGS. HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
You are most welcome! Since we are just starting out, we will need all the advice you can offer. You may want to contact us or pop into any of our rehearsals to see how we are doing. Please get in touch and.. thank you in advance for the kind gesture!

CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES
Since we are just starting, there aren’t any dates lined up yet. However, we intend to launch in early 2008. Once we get the dates sorted out we will do our best to disseminate the information and keep you informed. We intend to perform locally and nation-wide for religious, civic, social, patriotic, university events, etc.

REHEARSALS
The first rehearsal takes place from 7- 9pm on Wednesday, 14 November 2007 in Room B2, which is the room next to the library behind the main reception at Napier University, Mechiston Campus, 19 Collington Road, Edinburgh, EH19 5DT. This venue is tentative at the moment as we are in negotiation with the Ian Tomlin Music School at Craighouse campus, whose officials have so kindly indicated their willingness to consider us use one of their rehearsal facilities at the earliest possible opportunity.

WHAT IF I MISSED THE FIRST REHEARSALS?
No sweat! With the CD containing the songs, it is very easy to catch up given that most of what the choir actually sings are the choruses while the verses are sung by the lead vocalists or soloists. During every rehearsal we make efforts to rehearse old songs while learning new ones.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US TODAY!