Lindsey Wilson Singers Spring Concert Set for April 3

The Lindsey Wilson Singers will perform at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday,
April 3, at Columbia Baptist Church.
 

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College Director of Choral Programs Gerald Chafin has a unique way to connect with an audience -- he advises them to keep their cell phones turned on so they can comment on performances by the Lindsey Wilson Singers.

"We are saying, 'Don't turn your cellphones off -- put them on vibrate but keep them on to talk to us by sending an email or a text message.' That's the way we live today -- people are constantly 'on' and connected," said Chafin, who is also LWC associate professor of music.

Area residents will have an opportunity to comment on a Lindsey Wilson Singers' concert when they perform at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 3, at Columbia Baptist Church, 201 Greensburg St.

The concert -- which is free and open to the public -- will feature about a dozen pieces that were composed for instrumental ensembles but have been rearranged for choral music.

The annual concert celebrates the Singers' return from their latest spring tour. This year's spring tour -- the 15th Chafin has led at the college -- included performances in Campbellsville, Ky., South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida.

During the tour, Chafin blogged about the experiences on "Common Meter: Rhythms for Faith-Life" (www.commonmeter.blogspot.com). While on tour, he also invited audience members to send him emails, text messages and tweets about their experiences. And rather than waiting until after the concert to post a message, Chafin invited audience members to express their comments during the performances.

"People are used to instant communication, so this is an approach that several fine-arts groups have adopted as way to better engage audiences," Chafin said.

This year's spring homecoming concert will also include the Lindsey Wilson Singers going into the audience to perform.

"We sing in the audience with them," Chafin said. "It's pretty cool to just go out into the audience and sing right by the people."

The Lindsey Wilson Singers will perform at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 3, at Columbia Baptist Church, 201 Greensburg St.