This October, the Jubilee Gospel Choir made its debut on Iowa State’s campus with two music workshops.

April Finley, an Iowa State staff member and adviser for Jubilee Gospel Choir, wanted to start an organization to reintroduce Ames and the Iowa State community to gospel music.

“There is not an organization with a gospel music focus on campus,” Finley said. “The goal is to bring together singers, musicians and lovers of this genre of music.”

Jubilee Gospel Choir is open to all Iowa State students, faculty and staff, as well as Ames community members.

“This is a group that will bring together students and community members in a meaningful way: around the shared love of gospel music,” Finley said.

Workshops take place at Friendship Baptist Church for those who are interested in joining the group. This gives participants and advisors an opportunity to rehearse together and see the organization form. Past workshops took place on Oct. 1, 11 and 15, and the group hopes to host more soon.

Participants will learn various styles of gospel music, perform at on-campus and community events, sing and play with fellow gospel lovers and expand their music knowledge in a space tailored for gospel music.

“This is a group that will allow students who have participated in church choirs and music ministries to continue this style of singing while in college,” Finley said. “It will also introduce students who are not familiar with the genre.”

According to Finley, there is a need for this choir on Iowa State’s campus.

“We want a place for individuals to express their love for this style of music, to have an outlet on campus,” Finley said. “We also hope to create a framework for this choir that will exist at Iowa State for years to come.”

To find more details about the Jubilee Gospel Choir, email April Finley at [email protected]