N.B.C.A. Choir plans spring tour

By Chloe Smith

The New Beginnings Christian Academy Choir is preparing to take on a new challenge. The music group is planning a concert tour from church to church throughout Carlisle and surrounding counties. Jerry Johnson directs the choir with extra assistance from choir president, Skyler Smoot and vice president, Justin Tabor.

Johnson began working with the students of N.B.C.A. during the 2018-19 school year on a student-by-student basis and, with much work, built the school choir.

The school choir studies different types of music from around the world. “We’re learning different languages,” said choir vice president, Justin Tabor.

The choir implements different musical instruments into their songs, instruments that help present the song in its native form. The choir is currently working on African worship song “Syihambya” and will be performing the song with the aid of musical instruments the Djembe Drum and the African Shaker. They are also working on Broadway musical piece “Joseph’s Coat” from the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” and Israel’s native worship song “Zum Gali Gali” which they sing in Hebrew.

The choir is also working on additional pieces of music ranging from old southern worship to contemporary worship style songs. “Through these they are learning how Christianity is a worldwide faith,” said Johnson. Each piece celebrates a different approach to worship, giving the children the chance to understand their own faith better.

While talking about the group, choir president Skyler Smoot was excited and said that she is dreaming of having Mr. Johnson’s job one day. At this time, she is peer tutoring younger children in the choir, so that they can have better vocal control.

If you are interested in having the N.B.C.A. Choir perform for your church, contact Mr. Johnson at 859-473-3419.