OXFORD, Miss. – As the crisp February evening rolls around after a busy second week of school, more than 40 current and former University of Mississippi students gather at the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union – not to study, but to practice.
Monday at 6 p.m. in Auditorium 124 marks a sacred time for the UM Gospel Choir. Backpacks, water bottles and white-and-red Chick-fil-A cups give way to voices raised in faith and friendship.
For most in the group, these weekly rehearsals represent far more than musical practice. They are a refuge from academic pressures, a space to find themselves, all united by the strength and legacy of the 50-year-old student organization.
Each practice session has a familiar flow. At the beginning and end of every rehearsal, prayer echoes in silence while cries of laughter spontaneously punctuate vocal exercises. Weeks change to months as the lyrics become clearer and the unity of the voices is amplified.
Deeper into the spring semester, the intensity builds. The ensemble starts practicing twice a week, 6 p.m. Mondays and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Yet even as the schedule intensifies, the choir's sense of family remains paramount. One Thursday, they skip practice to celebrate their choir director, Honesty Shaw, by throwing her a surprise 23rd birthday party, showering her with love, hugs and gifts.
The anticipation crescendos as April 12 approaches. Weekly rehearsals begin to stretch late into the evening as the choir's need to give an ultimate showstopping performance becomes more apparent. The dedication is palpable.
During the final rehearsal before concert day, the choir practices at Clear Creek Baptist Missionary Church until 9:30 p.m., their voices echoing through the sanctuary as they perfect every note.
All the preparation culminates with the chorists, dressed in black with gold accents, delivering an astounding performance, bringing the attendees to their feet in worship. The applause afterward is deafening.
In the ever-changing landscape of college life, the UM Gospel Choir remains constant for students, providing purpose and a sense of belonging. Here is a visual look at the choir's experience preparing for its spring concert:
The UM Gospel Choir, a group of more than 40 students in the 2024-25 choir, gathers during the ensemble's second rehearsal of the spring semester on Feb. 10 at the Student Union Auditorium. The choir is led by director Honesty Shaw, who has guided the ensemble since spring 2024.Honesty Shaw, the choir's director, conducts during rehearsals at the Student Union Auditorium. Shaw began directing the choir in spring 2024 after joining as a member in 2022 when she enrolled in the university's Graduate School to pursue a master's degree in social work. She graduated with her degree in May and looks forward to directing the group for the upcoming semester.Sisters Zharia Metcalf (left) and Zkyra Metcalf, from Oxford, sing during the Gospel Choir's second rehearsal of the spring semester on Feb. 10 at the Student Union Auditorium. Zkyra Metcalf, the choir's 2024-25 president, graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology in May. Zharia Metcalf completed a bachelor's degree in sports and recreation administration in 2024 and often returns to visit the choir.Choir director Honesty Shaw uses the microphone as a baton while conducting the rehearsals at Student Union Auditorium on Feb. 3. Shaw, who has several faith-based tattoos, says, 'I have been in church all my life, ever since I was little. I love doing the Lord's work. It's just instilled in me.'Gospel Choir executive board member Aaliyah Bishop practices during rehearsals at the Student Union Auditorium. A native of Taylor, Bishop transferred to Ole Miss in 2022 and will graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology in December.Tanissa Ringo (left) and Ashlee Simone Silliman share a laugh during the ensemble's second rehearsal of the spring semester at the Student Union Auditorium. Ringo, from Starkville, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism, while Silliman, from Meridian, is majoring in biochemistry.In a surprise celebration, Gospel Choir members throw a birthday party on April 24, ahead of choir director Honesty Shaw's 23rd birthday.After months of Monday and Thursday night rehearsals at the Student Union and the Music Building, respectively, choir members gather at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church during their final rehearsals on April 11, the day before their 50th anniversary spring concert.Choir members go through a final rehearsal at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford on April 11.Zkyra Metcalf smooths her hair as the Gospel Choir prepares for their 50th anniversary concert at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church on April 12.Male choristers dressed in concert black await their turn as the group prepares for the 50th anniversary concert at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church.'Quiet y'all, Mama Honesty is speaking,' a choir member yells as director Honesty Shaw gathers the ensemble to proceed to the stage at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church on April 12. Shaw said the nickname started last semester when identical twin members Nyja Wilson and Nyla Wilson began calling her 'Mama Honesty,' and it stuck with the entire choir.The UM Gospel Choir performs its 50th anniversary concert at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford. The ensemble performed five songs and later joined guest artist Darrel Petties & Strength in Praise.The choir delivers a resounding performance during its 50th anniversary spring concert at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church.Gospel Choir members perform as audience members worship with raised hands and tambourines during the spring concert at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church on April 12.
