Sixty-five students, including 55 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists participated in Northwest Christian University’s University Choir and Orchestra during the 2015-’16 academic school year.
“It was a busy year for our student musicians and vocalists,” said Karen De Young, Assistant Professor of Music. “We are encouraged by how God is using NCU students to spread the Good News on campus and in the community.”
The University Choir and Orchestra were featured at NCU’s annual Experience Christmas with NCU and Spring Desserts performances. In addition, they led worship and performed for one chapel and church service each semester, including being featured for the first time in Harrisburg’s (Ore.) Community Thanksgiving Service at Life Bible Church, and then in the spring led worship and performed special music at Willamette Christian Center in Eugene.
“It is uniquely inspiring to witness 65 students leading worship together and clear that God is working through them,” De Young said.
Twenty-five members of the University Choir and Orchestra also participated in the three music groups that comprise the music department’s The Grove Collective: Evergreen, Bloom, and Willow- two bands and an A Capella group. During the school year, these groups led worship and performed in more than 18 churches and community sponsored events including Grace Community Fellowship, The First Baptist Church of Eugene, The City of Eugene Prayer Breakfast, and CASA of Lane County’s Heroes for Children Breakfast.
The Grove Collective also performed at eight NCU events, 35 campus chapels, NCU’s Board of Trustees Retreat, Fall and Spring Commencement Ceremonies, Senior Banquet, and An Evening of Tribute.
“Local churches are excited and have requested The Grove Collective return,” De Young said. “They were complimentary of our student leaders and interested in creating internships for them in the future.”
NCU’s Music Department will continue to grow next school year with the addition of Addison Wong, a new instructor, who will lead the jazz band that will also perform as NCU’s Pep Band at home basketball games. The Grove Collective is also gaining a new band, “Rivers,” who will travel along with “Willow” during the upcoming school year.
“This next year is an exciting one for the Music Department,” De Young said. “We will welcome back some very talented students and will welcome some new vocalists and musicians whose talents will inspire, entertain, and give glory to God.”