It was a pop-culture, "American Idol" style competition, but for gospel performances. On an evening early last month 11,000 fans filled the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. to watch 14 choirs from churches nationwide compete in the 3rd annual "How Sweet the Sound" finale.
A panel of judges looked on as choirs bellowed out songs, with some groups even adding choreography and costumes to their performances.
"You're looking for tone. You're looking for individuals to make sure that they're succinct, because they're a choir. You can't have one person standing out. It's not a solo act," said Marvin Sapp, a judge at the competition.
Gospel music came into its modern form back the 1930s in predominately black Chicago and Detroit churches. Its roots, however, stem from the spiritual songs of the slave-era South. Figures such as Thomas Dorsey--known as the father of gospel--helped put the soul stirring music on the map with mainstream audiences far outside the churches. Now, stars such as Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams have helped turn gospel into a billion dollar business, selling thousands of albums and creating music videos.
Sapp, who is a gospel celebrity in his own right, having recorded eight studio albums, added that the competition is also about the message that these choirs and their music present. Messages that encourage, uplift, and give people strength to be able to move forward past life's circumstances. A sort of positive message in difficult times.
Of the choirs that performed at the finale, only one could take home first place. This year it was Voices of Destiny Choir and Greater Zion Church Family in Compton, California. Still, in the end, all the choirs graced the stage to perform in unison, with the thousands of fans in attendance looking and singing along.
Quotes
"Gospel music is discipline. Being a great singer, being even in a church congregation, it is discipline." --Leon Jones, singer in the Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor choir
"It's the message that encourages and uplifts people and gives them strength to be able to move forward past life's circumstances. It's a positive message in difficult times." --Marvin Sapp, gospel recording artist
Warm Up Questions
1. What are some different genres of music?
2. What is gospel?
3. How do other types of music relate to gospel?
4. What kind of music do you enjoy?
Discussion Questions
1. Does music have the ability to change your mood? If so, what kinds of music change your mood and why?
2. Do you have to be religious to enjoy gospel music? Why or why not?
3. In the video, Sapp speaks of certain messages gospel should seek to instill. What were those messages? How could they be used in your daily life?
Additional Resources
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