The honors keep coming for New Mexico State University's Gospel Choir. Just after the group's nearly sold out performance at the Atkins Recital Hall on campus in February, the choir was awarded first place at the region's first Gospel Sing-off sponsored by the Dona Ana branch of the NAACP as part of Black History Month festivities. Groups were judged on stage presence, vocals and uniqueness.
The public will have another opportunity to hear the NMSU Gospel Choir's award-winning performance Thursday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Rio Grande Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at the door.
"It was an honor to receive the first-ever Gospel Sing-off award. We want to thank everyone who has supported us in our efforts to bring the joy of gospel music to the Southwest," said NMSU Gospel Choir Conductor Bobbie Green. "We hope our audience will enjoy this very powerful performance."
NMSU's Gospel choir, which consists of faculty, staff, students and community members, opened their performance with a piece by Martha Munnizi titled "Glorious." The choir closed its selection with "Matthew 28." Both pieces are chart toppers among contemporary gospel music and demonstrated the group's diversity.
The NMSU Gospel Choir was established in 1975 and frequently performs to packed houses at important multi-cultural events throughout the Southwest.