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GSU choir holds first virtual performance at Founder’s Day Convocation

The coronavirus pandemic has halted a lot of day to day activities for Americans, but one thing it has not stopped is the Grambling State University Concert Choir (GSUCC).

Some schools have taken a “break” with their extracurricular activities whereas GSUCC sees this moment as an opportunity to improve.

The university choir, just like other choirs across the nation, has been adjusting to the coronavirus pandemic.

Recently, the choir completed an eight-hour long audio and video session that was displayed to everyone in the Virtual Founder’s Day Convocation.

It was the choir’s first virtual performance.

Natorshau Davis, Director of the Grambling State University Concert Choir, said more virtual performances are to come.

“We will be releasing a series of songs dealing with current events that I’m calling Freedom/Protest Series,” Davis said.

All semester the choir has been holding in-class rehearsals consisting of small sections practicing social distancing and wearing masks. Students also rehearse via Microsoft Teams and have to submit a video of their vocal part two to three times weekly.

With the pandemic continuing throughout the nation, GSUCC is demonstrating the meaning of perseverance.

“The pandemic has forced GSUCC to begin making music with other resources,” Davis said.

GSUCC has a reputation for delivering stellar performances; they demonstrate a level of “excellence” and nothing else.

“This is no down time for us,” Davis said. “We have to rehearse more efficiently due to the way our music must be performed. When recording, there is no room for error, so rehearsals are very intense and geared toward individual perfection.”

Once the pandemic officially passes, Grambling State University, the Grambling community and other areas can expect to see the choir continuing to deliver performances as usual. 

Davis has been working with the choir non-stop since the pandemic first occurred as well as finding a balance among various roles she holds. 

“Personally, this pandemic has caused me to evaluate how I will as a mother, grandmother and educator keep my family and students safe,” Davis said. 

Davis is making sure her students are safe at all times. She encourages everyone to continue following CDC guidelines such as practicing social distancing, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, wearing your mask as well as self-quarantining for the recommended number of days before returning to your job, school, church or any other public venue.