Gospel concert to focus on diverse sounds
A concert this weekend will allow Cache Valley residents to feel the spirit of the deep South.
After a break lasting several years, Richard Ratliff, alumni professor in the school of accountancy, is bringing back this popular tradition.
Ratliff organized the Wasatch Gospel Singers many years ago out of a love for music, particularly gospel music.
“I grew up in the South and when I moved here I couldn’t find gospel music,” he said.
The group dissolved about five years ago because of change in the performers’ lives. Some got married, others had children to take care of and others moved. Ratliff said one of the biggest problems was finding a new piano player after the old one left.
“It is hard to find someone who can play gospel music on the piano because it is a different style and requires a lot of improvising,” he said.
Ratliff said he is excited to bring the non-denominational concert back because he has heard so many requests for it to return.
“Probably not a month goes by without someone asking us when we will sing again,” he said.
According to a press release, the choir features the talents of Sally Jones, former featured soloist for one of Jester Hairston’s Gospel Choirs in Fort Worth, Texas. Jones now teaches voice and piano in Logan.
Ratliff said he and Jones have been singing together a little more lately and decided it was time to revive the concert.
He said he enjoys gospel music because it is very unique.
“I haven’t found any other music quite like it,” he said. “It is a way of worship, a way to experience music. I find it very satisfying, rewarding and enriching.”
Will Kesling, a choral music professor, is another one of the guest performers for the gospel concert.
According to the press release, Kesling has conducted major orchestras around the world and also has a foundation in gospel music, having lived in Tennessee earlier in his life.
Kesling said although he doesn’t perform much gospel music except for a few other concerts with Ratliff, he feels it has a powerful influence.
“People are attracted to it because of its simple sincerity,” he said. “The music allows the performer to lay their heart out there about religious things.”
He said gospel music is great because most everyone can relate with it in one way or another, no matter what their religious background is.
Ratliff said there are several kinds of gospel music because each area has its own style and feel.
There are just four rules to follow when singing this type of music, he said.
First, enjoy it and have a good time.
Second, sing it like you feel it.
“This type of music needs to be sung so it remains religious,” Ratliff said.
Third, when in doubt sing out.
“It seems people in this area are trained to be timid,” he said. “In the South you are more-likely to see people singing all the time or hear singing coming from a house as you pass by it.”
Fourth, if you make a mistake, make it a good one.
“Let us hear what you are singing, no matter what,” he said.
The concert begins Friday at 7 p.m. and should last about one and one-half hours. Admission is free to the public.
In the past, the concert has had more than 1,000 people in attendance, Ratliff said.
“But we don’t expect that many this year because of all the other things going on in the area. The timing may not be the best,” he said.
Ratliff said the concert will be good for the university because of the ties they have together.
Four of the people in the choir either attend school at USU as students or are teachers.
According to the release, copies of several of the hymns will be handed out to the audience. The audience will be coached through some of the songs to help them participate.
“We want to let everyone participate and sing out when they feel it,” Ratliff said.