When she was a student at Biola University, psychology alumna Symone Starr-Parker (B.A. ’87) loved going to chapel. Middle-of-the-week worship was an idea she could get behind. But she also felt a pull toward gospel music, which she was more accustomed to growing up. After talking with some fellow classmates, they decided to start meeting as friends to sing gospel music together. Passion behind the music, excitement to put on a concert and bringing together members of the local church communities surrounding Biola to play in the band, the Biola Gospel Choir was born.

“We got us a band. We got a guitar and a drummer and all that – just volunteers to come in. And here we are, 40 years later. Can’t even imagine that,” Starr-Parker reflected as she described the first Gospel Choir event. “It blows my mind.”

Starr-Parker’s passion for gospel music and worship has not been dampened over the years. After singing a portion of one of her favorite songs, she stopped and said, “Now I wish I had some music so I can sing how I really feel.”

She emphasized, however, that worship through gospel music is about more than just the music and singing.

“The advice I would have for current students [in the Gospel Choir] is live the life that you sing about. It's not just about jumping, shouting, clapping, feeling good, sounding good,” said Starr-Parker. “You're a witness when you walk around campus. People will come because they want to hear the music. But how are you living your life to make an impact to those around you?”

Last year, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Biola Gospel Choir, several of the directors came together to reflect on their experience. Through the years, Biola Gospel Choir directors have come and gone, and the most recent director is Roman Collins. American Idol Top 12 finalist and a Christmas tour guest with the most awarded female gospel singer of all time, CeCe Winans, Collins has been singing and loving it for as long as he can remember.

“It was the only thing I was interested in,” remembered Collins. “I was singing before I could talk. Growing up, I just loved being in the church choir. Seeing the joy, seeing the Holy Spirit have his way through using your vocals.”

He considers leading the Biola Gospel Choir a duty he’s been entrusted with by God.

“Leading others is a charge. It’s a God-destined, trustworthy mantle he’s given me to lead others,” said Collins. “Seeing others get reminded of their hope in God, get reminded of the promise … It’s a beautiful sight to see people raise their confidence in the promise and what God has spoken over their life. The fact that God chooses a wretch like me [to lead the Gospel Choir] further exudes my humility for it.”

The Biola Gospel Choir, which is made up of many students from the Conservatory of Music as well as many other majors, sing in a handful of chapels throughout the year. On February 1, the Gospel Choir celebrated its many years of existence at Biola’s 41st Gospel Fest, an event designed to allow Biola students and guests a place to experience the variety of gospel music styles. Attendees heard worship, but also experienced the Gospel Choir students’ spirit behind their performance.

“The thing about Biola Gospel Choir that I love is their heart for it,” said Collins. “They feel excited, they feel ignited, they feel focused, they feel seen, they feel free. So seeing that transpire shows this is evidently God.”

The Biola Gospel Choir is part of Biola’s Student Enrichment and Intercultural Development (SEID) department, gathering faithfully every Thursday night on Biola’s campus to sing and worship together. Biola students are empowered, advocated for and equipped to thrive and be a light in a diverse and rapidly changing world. Learn more and apply today to become part of the community.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.