The Mercer University Women’s Choir performed their last concert of the year, Voices of Spring, Sunday afternoon at Fickling Hall in Mercer University’s McCorkle Music Building. A crowd of about 70 people listened intently as the group of thirty-five women sang nine songs.

            Dr. Stanley L. Roberts directed the choir, with Anne Armstrong as their accompanying pianist. The show opened with a piece called “A Simple Song,” which included a featured flautist, Kennedi Johnson. Johnson preformed in one other piece, joined by oboe player Brian Lyons. Lyons performed a solo piece in the concert as well, accompanied by Armstrong on piano. Cara Schlecker was also featured on violin.

            Dr. Roberts, who is in his nineteenth year of teaching at Mercer’s Townsend School of Music, chose several songs that had religious themes. “The whole concept of singing really comes through the church,” Roberts said. Two of the songs were psalms, which were the songs of worship in the Jewish and Christian faiths. Roberts has a Master’s degree, as well as a Ph. D in Church Music and Conducting, so it takes him back to his roots to conduct pieces that are more religious.

            Armstrong also has a background in religious music. She is an organist and Music Associate at First Baptist Church in Macon. She is also the adjunct accompanist for the Women’s Choir and the Mercer University Children’s Preparatory Choir. “The music here at Mercer is just great and I’m so glad to be a part of it. The entire program is just amazing,” said Armstrong. 

            One of the songs with the best audience reception of the concert was Psalm 23, which was also Dr. Robert’s favorite song of the day. The women sang the words to what is one of the most well-known Bible passages, and a hush came over the audience. “It was actually my favorite song that we did,” said Jennifer Fussell, a freshman in the choir. “It’s something that everybody knows, and you can sort of see the people in the audience mouthing along. It’s really a cool experience.”

            After the concert, Dr. Roberts spent almost half an hour talking to the families of the students in the choir. “These families are what keeps the girls going, keeps the choir going,” said Roberts. He did not hesitate to speak with parents, grandparents, or other various family members.

            This was the final concert performance for the Women’s Choir this year. They have previously performed in Fickling Hall, as well as several churches around Macon. They are always met with support from Mercer students and community members.

            The choir consists of thirty-five women, with only four being music majors. “The group has been in existence about twelve years and it is continuing to improve,” said Roberts. “It’s a great way to participate. Kind of like intermurals, a way to get involved, even if it isn’t something you want to pursue seriously.”