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Music program makes notable changes

Multnomah's musical opportunities are expanding this year with the addition of a men's quartet, a gospel choir and the return of the brass ensemble.

Danny Imes, a senior, is heading the men's quartet. Although Imes is leading the men's quartet for his music ministry practicum, college credit is not his primary reason for starting the group. "It's kind of been a dream of mine for a while," Imes said. "My dad did lots of quartet stuff while he was living. God really put a desire in my heart to be a part of a quartet."

Imes not only leads the quartet, but he also is a member. He sings lead tenor. Eren McNeal, sophomore, sings bass. Ryan Potter, freshman, sings baritone. Matt McConnell, sophomore, sings high tenor. McConnell said that he is excited about being in a Christian quartet. "The best part for me is to be in a guys' a cappella group and to be singing songs totally about Christ. It's not just singing -- it's a ministry," McConnell said. The quartet practices every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour and a half. Its first performance will be Oct. 11 at Milwaukie First Baptist Church.

Multnomah also has a new gospel choir this year. Henry Greenidge, pastor of the multi-cultural Irvington Covenant Church in Northeast Portland, now rehearses with 25 students every Thursday afternoon. The Rev. Greenidge has had a lot of experience directing gospel choirs. Mulnomah's choir stands out from the other gospel choirs he has directed because its members are predominantly "Anglo."

This has presented a challenge, but according to the Rev. Greenidge, the group is open to challenges, enthusiastic, and learns quickly. The Rev. Greenidge agreed to lead the choir because of his love of gospel music and because of his church's philosophy.

"Our purpose is to be a worshiping, celebrating, nurturing fellowship that embraces diversity, cares for the poor and needy, and reaches our community for Jesus Christ," he said. "I think gospel music is a great way to bring people together in worship." The gospel choir is a class in which students will be graded, but Mrs. Gibby said she still wants them to have fun. "I just want kids to have a great time of release and worship," she said.

Besides two new singing groups, the brass ensemble is returning for its second school year. The brass ensemble meets in Bradley Hall every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Larry Peacock, sophomore, is leading the ensemble. Three trumpet players and five trombonists comprise the ensemble. Peacock still hopes to find a tuba player. New members may join the brass ensemble at any time. The ensemble hopes to perform in chapel and for small churches.

Peacock started the ensemble because he loves music and really wished Multnomah had an instrumental music program. Peacock himself plays the trombone and has previously played in a variety of instrumental groups. The ensemble is not a class, but Peacock does have goals for the group. "I just want each player to get better," Peacock said. "I want each player to learn more, to gain more knowledge and to have fun."