The Rochester College A Cappella Chorus has been delighting audiences since 1959 and has high hopes of continuing the tradition in their season to come.

With the excitement of 22 new members the chorus is fresh and gearing up for a great year.

“I love the environment,” said freshmen, Danielle Diehl. “The way everyone is growing so quickly into a family and a strong Christian support system for each other is so encouraging. Through chorus I have learned a great deal, and been privileged to be a part of an awesome community.”

Though daily rehearsals may sound exhausting, these chorus members are always fired up and excited to begin their journey of blessing people’s lives through song.

One of the greatest aspects of the chorus continuously witnessed and experienced by members and audiences alike is not just the incredible musical talent that they have but, even more so, the inspiration behind it all. The notes are not just sung as pretty words but sung as a testimony of their life and love for Jesus Christ.

RC A Cappella alumnus, Clay Hargrave, said, “It was the perfect culmination of musical, spiritual, and emotions growth; it changed me indelibly. Having known Dr. Bentley would have been enough, but witnessing the power of his influence, talents, and devotion, to my fellow students and I is something I cannot put into words.”

The extraordinary dedication and expertise that Dr. Joe Bentley has brought to the chorus as their director, since 1986, continues to be valued and admired, but the Chorus is sure to give all the glory to God with every accomplishment they make, and compliment they receive.

The Chorus cannot be mentioned without a quick shout-out to the group “Autumn.” It is a small set of choral members specially chosen to travel and perform at various churches, events, and assemblies. Their genre would be categorized as contemporary A Cappella. From gospel to Michael Jackson, they do it all. Katelyn Brackney, Matt Bruno, Danielle Diehl, Keith Honda, Mallory Skilling, Jalen Seawright, and Brianna Wilkinson were all acknowledged for their incredible vocal talent and inducted into the group this fall. Being lead by the new Campus Minister, Chris Shields, they are confidently off to a great start.

The RC A Cappella Chorus and Autumn perform throughout the year at various concerts and events. Check out “Upcoming Events” on RC.edu for concert schedules.

Photo by Kristy Cox