Students walking down the halls of the Creative Arts building on Monday nights would hear the loud, soulful voices and religious-themed songs of what might sound more like a Sunday morning in church. But this is no church congregation. These are the students that make up SF State's Gospel Choir belting it out in preparation for their upcoming concert.

The annual Gospel Choir concert will take place on Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Knuth Hall in the Creative Arts building. The concert is part of SF State's Jazz Half Week, which features a series of performances from Wednesday through Friday showcasing SF State's jazz groups.

The 32-member choir is directed by SF State student JaRonn Thompson, who founded the group in 2004, when it became an official one-unit class in the School of Music and Dance. Faculty member Dee Spencer has served as faculty advisor of the MUS 388 Jazz Combos class since its beginning.

"The SFSU Gospel Choir is sounding better than ever," Spencer said.

The students that make up MUS 388 were selected from auditions that are held at the beginning of each semester. The class meets every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., but the group has stepped up rehearsal hours in anticipation of their upcoming concert.

Thompson offered words of encouragement at last Monday's intense rehearsal, telling the group, "I really don't say this enough, but you guys are awesome."

In addition to on-campus concerts, the group regularly performs at churches around the Bay Area. But despite the religious nature of the material that the Gospel Choir sings, not every student in the choir considers themselves to be Christian. The diverse group also welcomes music majors and non-music majors alike.

Spencer thinks the class not only helps students grow as vocalists, but also keeps their minds open culturally. "In addition to skills that emphasize this oral tradition of Gospel music, students are exposed to an important aspect of African-American culture," Spencer said.

Spencer believes the diversity of the choir helps students learn from one another. "It benefits everyone because it reminds us of the importance of recognizing everyone's
individual and unique cultural contributions," Spencer said.

Both the director and the students are eagerly anticipating this week's concert. Choir member Vincent Kim, who is an exchange student from Korea, is excited about his solo. "I'm scared about singing by myself, but I'm also looking forward to it," Kim said.

"I have great expectations, I think the concert is going to be amazing," said Thompson. "We've really come a long way this semester."

Tickets for the Gospel Choir concert can be purchased at the Creative Arts Box office. Ticket prices are $5 for students and $10 for regular admission.