35 years of service could lead
to 15 minutes of fame for
Gospel Choir Ministries

TCNJ’s Gospel Choir Ministries (GCM), which is celebrating 35 years of service this year, is about much more than just singing. Throughout the year, the organization’s members devote their time to numerous community service activities.

One such endeavor is the group's Spring Break service mission. Every year for the last 20, GCM members have traveled to locations across the country to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate. This year was no different, as members traveled to San Antonio, TX, and New Orleans, LA, where they worked in homeless shelters and nursing homes, helped clean public parks, and helped children with their homework at an after school program.

Now, those years of service could lead to 15 minutes of fame for some GCM members. While in New Orleans last week, several GCM members were filmed by ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, said GCM Vice President Elisa Torres, a senior marketing major.

“We were asked to sing a number of songs to provide encouragement to the workers,” said Torres. “Many of the [on-site] workers were touched that we took the time to come sing for them.”

The show’s crew also interviewed Torres and GCM Musical Director Ben Akuma, a senior communications studies major, on camera, and filmed a scene with GCM members singing with one of the on-site carpenters. The episode is scheduled to air on May 18, Torres added, although the group is not sure yet if they will appear in the episode.

But GCM members are not in it for the recognition. “We sincerely enjoy serving God and our TCNJ family to the best of our ability,” said Torres.

Besides the Spring Break service trip, GCM hosts several events and concerts throughout the academic year, such as Revival, which takes place in October; Praisefest, which takes place in February; and Extravaganza, scheduled for April 26, Torres said.

In addition, the group plays a part in many on-campus events sponsored by other student groups, and is routinely asked to perform by churches in the surrounding communities, Torres said.

“Our events and concerts consist of much more than just the choir,” said Torres. “We also minister through dance, drama, and sign language.”

“We believe GCM has left a legacy over the last 35 years, and look forward to continuing to bless the campus and surrounding communities.”

More information on the group's activities can be found on online at www.tcnj.edu/~gospel/.