Voices of Mobile performs at Pentagon, Brooklyn Tabernacle during summer tour

Voices of Mobile performs at Pentagon, Brooklyn Tabernacle during summer tour

Voices of Mobile, one of more than 21 ensembles in the University of Mobile (UMobile) Center for Performing Arts/School of Music, performed at the Pentagon in Washington and the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City during its summer tour.

The ensemble has performed concerts across the nation since May 12, according to Roger Breland, vice president for project development and executive director of the UMobile Center for Performing Arts/School of Music and School of Worship Leadership. In past years, Voices of Mobile has performed at the White House; toured Europe, the Cayman Islands and the Middle East; and presented concerts featuring contemporary Christian music across the United States from Hawaii to Alaska.

Voices performed at the Pentagon chapel for the Pentagon Prayer Luncheon on June 20, hosted by the Pentagon Chaplains Office. “We had an absolute delightful time. … And were invited back to do a Christmas concert,” Breland said.

The group also performed at the Brooklyn Tabernacle on June 23. “Just the opportunity to stand on that stage was a life-changing experience for the 17 members of Voices,” Breland said.

The Voices summer tour began in Mobile at Luke 4:18 Fellowship and concludes July 7 in Baton Rouge, La., at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. At tour’s end, they will have traveled more than 5,500 miles in seven weeks through nine states, performing more than 30 concerts including at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Fla.; Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas; and Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Ga. 

UMobile vocal and instrumental groups performed before more than 12,000 people during major events in just five weeks during spring semester 2013. That doesn’t include weekend concerts by the more than 21 ensembles in the Center for Performing Arts.

 “Our students have amazing opportunities in the classroom to study with world-class professors, then gain extensive performance experiences in all types of musical styles, from contemporary Christian to opera, from worship leadership to classical guitar,” Breland said.

Among the many concerts and productions performed during spring semester were a Passion Play sacred music and theatre production, “Godspell” musical theatre production, “Pirates of Penzance” opera production and concerts featuring jazz, classical music, the university’s Steinway Artist performing on the famed Horowitz piano, piano ensemble, guitar ensemble, RamCorps choreographed brass and percussion group and the annual Spring Spectacular featuring all 21 ensembles.

Breland said the Christian university’s music program provides the flexibility to add ensembles based upon students’ interests and talents.

(UMobile, TAB)