The 2014-2015 school year was one of tremendous growth and expansion for Lutheran East's Life Everlasting Gospel Choir. At full strength, the choir grew to over 130 voices, presented three of its most successful concerts to date, and traveled throughout the Greater Cleveland area stretching its ministry and reaching new audiences!
For the second consecutive year, the LEGC was comprised primarily of freshmen students. With all of these new voices and personalities, LEGC's initial challenge was to build upon last year's foundation, while continuing to develop a culture of excellence, distinction and ministry. Through the leadership of Director Brandon Lipford and the unwavering support of the Lutheran East administration and faculty, LEGC met this challenge head on and presented its first concert of the year in November -- a joyful and exciting night of original music, solo performances and spoken word.
Following their fall concert, and drawing from its momentum, LEGC out-did itself with a Christmas concert to remember! Within a month's time, the choir learned 8 brand new songs to celebrate the Christmas season and performed them with the genuine spirit, heart, and energy for which this choir is steadily becoming known! Additionally, LEGC included the ministry of liturgical dance in its presentation -- even more evidence of the program's growth.
Moving into the second semester, LEGC got on the move! The choir presented a full concert, with all new material, at one of our student's home church. Their performance was raved about by parents and faculty alike! LEGC was also blessed to sing for a Black History Month celebration at Hathaway Brown School, was excited to participate in the Cleveland Heights High School's annual "Gospel Fest," and was honored to be the featured musical guests for several benefit events.
Finally, LECG capped off the year with its most ambitious performance endeavor to date. The spring concert, entitled "LIFE", featured 2 original songs written by LE students, 2 original songs written by Mr. Lipford, 5 solo performances, and 12 songs performed in all, each of which challenged the choir to push further than they had before. The second half of the concert artfully linked 6 songs together to present the Gospel journey from conversion to glorification, leaving the audience both impressed and inspired!
What a year! As we reflect back, all we can say is thanks be to God for what He has done! And as we look ahead, the lyrics of Chris Tomlin's "Our God" ring true: And if our God is with us, then what can stand against!