On Monday nights in the Chapel of the Holy Family, the Marquette University Gospel Choir meets to sing songs of praise, hope and love as they build a community of students with a dedication to faith.
Gospel choirs themselves originated in African American churches, where the music has been used to bring together minority communities to uplift and empower them together, says Debbie Duff, choir director and financial aid counselor of the Education Opportunity Program. Because of this rich history, Marquette students of color often say that the choir’s February performances during Black History Month can feel more significant.
“We’re not just faith based. We’re also singing for underrepresented communities and groups,” says Olivia Stieber, a junior in the College of Nursing. “I think it’s really awesome that with our diverse choir, we can represent others and show them how Gospel Choir is a safe space in a community for anybody.”
Bianey Calixto-Dominguez, a senior studying information systems and supply chain management, is president of the Gospel Choir. She feels like performing during Black History Month is not only important for the audience, but also for the students themselves.
“Whatever their worries are, whatever burdens they’re carrying, students are able to leave them behind, at least for a minute, while they sing God’s praise,” Calixto-Dominguez says.
Marquette’s Gospel Choir welcomes students of all races and faith traditions who seek to explore and enhance their spirituality through gospel music and praise. They practice each week and start off their rehearsals with a prayer.
“We open rehearsal with the Lord’s Prayer and end rehearsal [by] asking for prayer requests,” Duff says. “Then, things that students have prayed about sometimes come back to the group and share what happened.”
“I didn’t really know where I was in my faith walk, but every Monday night Ms. Debbie really makes sure the spirit is alive and gets us ready by praying over us and asking any requests that we have,” Stieber says. “We really lean on each other, and I just feel a community bond through that.”
For many of the choir members, the group is about more than singing — the practice is about being able to deepen their personal faith, Calixto-Dominguez says. The process of expression allows members to experience spiritual moments that deeply resonate within their personal journey.
“Choir has helped me consider the goodness of God,” Calixto-Dominguez says. “With the songs we’re singing, just hearing those words and taking them to heart in my day-to-day life.”
Faith, community and expression are at the heart of the Gospel Choir’s message to their audiences, who the group hopes leave each performance feeling filled with hope and love.
“What comes from the heart, reaches the heart,” Calixto-Dominguez says. “I hope that our performances can be that for people. We are singing with the intention of glorifying God.”
Duff says that it’s the students who matter most. Being able to help them find a community where they feel comfortable and can grow in spiritual practice leaves a lasting influence on students.
“Watching the students grow spiritually throughout the school year is so special,” Duff says. “We like to look at ourselves, not just as a class, but also as a ministry, because we’re a gospel choir who spreads the gospel in song.”
The Marquette Gospel Choir offers one performing arts credit per semester through the Diederich College of Communication, but it is also available as a club to include more student members.
