he UCSD gospel choir, which sings a variety of traditional spiritual anthems as well as classic and contemporary gospel songs, performed its first fall concert on Nov. 18 at Mandeville Auditorium and will perform again at Revelle Plaza on Nov. 20.

Going into its 34th year, the choir has over 300 members in four-part harmony. It is split into two sections and each section meets twice a week. Before the concerts, the choir meets as a whole to rehearse. However, according to choir leader Ken Anderson, the gospel choir has faced several obstacles.

“”This year has been harder because we missed a few sessions with the fires and holidays, so the concerts will be less prepared, but it’ll be fun,”” he said.

Anderson allows anyone to join and requires only an informal group audition in which he places each voice in one of the four parts. He teaches songs by singing them aloud, with the choir singing each part back rather than through written music and lyrics.

Similarly, the choir rehearses without the soloists, often singing background harmonies until the soloists arrive on the day of the concert. All soloists are either part of the university choir or from the community.

Although students can receive credit for joining, a lot of people join for fun.

“”I think Ken’s hilarious and gospel choir gives you a chance to really enjoy music ‹ you’re clapping and just making music from scratch,a Thurgood Marshall College senior Sunny Parisi said.

Whether for religious enjoyment, the energetic ambience or just the harmonious music, the gospel choir presents an impressive and enthusiastic performance.