The Choir Room Podcast

Step into the vibrant Choir Room where the rich tapestry of song and spirit comes to life. This week, my co-hosts Dorian Johnson, Mietta Stancil-Farrar, and I, Greg Thomas, as we uncover the poignant history of the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" and then followed by a live rendition by the enchanting Sarai Negron-Ingold.  Mietta brings us the CRQ and we delve into the conversation of recruitment for a community choir.With personal anecdotes, we delve into the transformative power of choir singing and the sense of community it fosters. From the unique perspective of our blind singer, Ed, to the cultural diversity that shapes the spiritual expression within this group, we celebrate the collective voices that resonate through the choir in the walls of Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship in New City, NY.The Choir Room resonates with tales of personal journeys and the shared experiences that draw us to the power of voices united in harmony. We discuss the balance of personal freedom and collective message delivery in worship, and how the evolution of choral direction has shifted from stringent conformity to a liberating platform for individual interpretation. As we explore the multifaceted nature of singing, we tap into the intuitive performance dynamics and the profound impact it has on the mental, physical, and emotional spheres of our lives.Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the choir and worship team, whose dedication creates an invigorating space for all who seek solace in song. If our stories of faith, diversity, and musical passion resonate with you, we invite you to connect with us and join next week for another session of harmony and storytelling in the Choir Room. Reach out to us with your thoughts at [email protected], where your voice becomes a part of our ever-growing chorus.Perpetuating and Promoting the Christian and Positive Idea Through the Medium of Music and Other Arts.

As we gather in the Choir Room this Easter, a time of reflection and rejoicing unfolds through the power of choral music. The episode kicks off with a stirring reminder of Christ's sacrifice, captured in Kurt Carr's poignant composition, performed remotely during the 2020 pandemic by Greg Thomas and Misty Quinn, and we're transported through the rich history of Charles Wesley's "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Co-host Dorian walks us through this hymn's deep scriptural roots, inviting both heavenly and earthly voices to celebrate the resurrection. It's a moment that intertwines personal hope with the timeless victory over death, offering a soul-stirring message that resonates with every note.Navigating the intricate art of choir direction, we open up about the essential techniques for achieving that perfect vocal blend between meek singers and strong singers...where strength meets softness. Together with Mietta Stancil-Farrar and Coleman Smart, we delve into the roles of physicality and confidence. We share our personal thoughts and secrets to coaxing out stronger performances, all while preserving the unique vocal identities of each member. This is not just about hitting the right notes; it's about the collective journey towards harmonious excellence.Closing on a note of community, Greg and Coleman emphasize the importance of stewardship and morale in leading a choir. It's about more than just guiding voices; it's about nurturing the spirit of our singers and ensuring the gospel's message remains paramount. As we explore the dilemmas faced by choir directors and navigate rehearsal atmospheres, we offer strategies for fostering a transformative experience. Whether you're a choir aficionado or just love the art of music, your thoughts are valuable to us. Join our conversation by reaching out on the Choir Room Facebook page or through email, and let's continue this journey together in the next episode.Perpetuating and Promoting the Christian and Positive Idea Through the Medium of Music and Other Arts.

Choir is a fusion of singing, faith, community, and tradition that resonates with many of us. In this episode we've orchestrated a vibrant discussion around reviving choir traditions, the undervalued power of corporate singing, and the intricate challenges choir directors confront in today's ever-evolving world, particularly in the wake of a pandemic that left many choir rooms silent. We enrich the conversation with hymn highlights and thought-provoking queries that peel back the layers of this communal art form's impact on the fabric of society,Joined again by Disney's "Encanto" multi-talented artist Adassa, we step into hers and husband Gabriel's personal lives where music isn't just a passion—it's the foundation of family. With Gabriel, not just her partner in life but also a driving force in the music industry, we peel back the curtain to reveal what it's like orchestrating the symphony of two music careers. They share tales from the heart about their serendipitous meeting, their journey to become a creative powerhouse, and the profound moments that remind them of why unity,  trust, and Christ are at the core of both family and professional pursuits. As the final notes of our discussion fade, we express our deepest gratitude to Adasa and Gabriel for their inspiring stories and the wisdom they've shared about intertwining scripture with art. It's a tapestry woven with the threads of personal values, the resonance of choir music, and the spiritual sustenance it provides. The music backdrop is from their latest release "In Jesus We Are One" featuring Adassa on vocals, and each song carrying a message of divine hope and unity, available for your listening pleasure across all music platforms. So, take a moment to relish in the sounds that bind us and the profound narratives hidden within their songs and story.http://adassa-official.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHMxhvHLK9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb6biETgTBohttps://music.apple.com/us/album/in-jesus-we-are-one/1700334364https://music.apple.com/us/album/carol-of-the-christ-single/1712949639Perpetuating and Promoting the Christian and Positive Idea Through the Medium of Music and Other Arts.

As the harmonies of "Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" resonated in the Choir Room, Dorian Johnson enlightens us on this deep content rich hymn of the church. Mietta Stancil-Farrar navigates us through our CRQ to discuss the rich tapestry of choir beyond the church walls, uncovering the wide-reaching impact of gospel music from serene nursing home gatherings to the raw vibrancy of street outreaches.Then, along with our live audience, we welcome the incredibly gifted Adassa, the voice of Dolores from Disney's "Encanto," a wife, mother of seven, singer, songwriter, and now voice-over actress adds a spark to our conversation about the spiritual and lifting power of singing in this two part podcast. Adassa shares personal insights and stories, including a moving narrative of a singer who, in the face of a health crisis, discovers a resilience that transcends her identity as a performer, reminding us that our essence is far greater than our accomplishments, all while balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities. As this heartfelt episode draws to a close, we reach out to you, our listeners, to help the Choir Room's message resonate across the globe. Your engagement—through likes, shares, and heartfelt comments—fuels our mission to share the transformative power of choir and singing. With a look towards the horizon, we hint at the exciting continuation of our dialogue with Adasa, underscoring the gospel's timeless message: It's not about the messenger, but the profound love echoed in every note we sing.http://adassa-official.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHMxhvHLK9Y/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb6biETgTBohttps://music.apple.com/us/album/in-jesus-we-are-one/1700334364https://music.apple.com/us/album/carol-of-the-christ-single/1712949639Perpetuating and Promoting the Christian and Positive Idea Through the Medium of Music and Other Arts.