CBU chior and orchestra kick off 24-25 academic school year by leading the audience in worship and encouraging engament.
California Baptist University’s choir and orchestra kicked off their first-semester performance at Northpoint Church on Friday, Sept. 27.
The turnout was large, as friends, family, and even church members filled the sanctuary, holding flowers of gratitude and happiness. The University Choir and Orchestra were set for a concert to praise and worship the Lord.
The event began promptly at 7 p.m. as women in lavender gowns and men in blue suits walked to the stage in single file, taking their places as the choir.
The show opened with the orchestra’s instrumental performance before transitioning into the choir’s first song, “We Sing Worthy.”
The choir captivated the audience, seamlessly interacting with one another, moving to the music and smiling. The conductor and pianist also exchanged smiles as they led the worship on this cooler Friday night at Northpoint Church.
Betty Chokunda, junior pre-nursing major and alto in the choir, expressed her excitement over the large turnout for her first time performing with UCO.
“It was overwhelming. I was really happy and excited that everyone came because I didn’t know what to expect—it was my first concert,” Chokunda said. “My family came and supported me, so it was a lot of fun, and the turnout was amazing. I just wanted it to never end.”
The warm atmosphere and enthusiastic support from the congregation gave the event an energy that led to four standing ovations throughout the night. Toward the end, the entire church stood to praise the Lord along with the choir.
“The one goal is just to praise God. I feel like that’s what we’re all there for. We have a common interest and a common reason to serve: to serve God,” Chokunda said.
Jazmine Huffmon, senior psychology major and member of the choir, explained that while this UCO concert was a prepared performance, it was more than just singing and playing music together.
“It’s more worship than it is just singing,” Huffmon said. “I always want the audience to be encouraged in the Lord. I think of it as a way of leading people to worship and experience God’s presence.”
That sense of presence continued as the choir performed upbeat songs, featured soloists, and read scripture during the music. Midway through the concert, conductor Dean Joseph Bolin announced that nearly 300 viewers were streaming the event online from home.
The choir later joined the congregation for a more intimate setting, singing around the church.
“I really enjoy singing around the congregation because I feel more connected to people, and it’s definitely a different experience,” Huffmon said.
The night concluded with the choir singing “Endless Praise.” Afterward, the lobby was filled with eager parents, grandparents, friends, and family members waiting for their musical students. Their voices echoed through the lobby and spilled outside the church.
“I would highly recommend everyone experience the love of God through UCO singing praises,” Huffmon said.
The next opportunity to experience the University Choir and Orchestra will be at the CBU Christmas concert.
