GRANTHAM, Pa. (Nov. 20, 2006) —  United Voices of Praise, Messiah College’s gospel choir, will present a Winter Concert on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel on the college’s Grantham campus.  Mimers, the Messiah College mime team, and God’s Kingdom Steppers, a step team, will also be part of the concert. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call (717) 691-6027.

The 35-voice choir is directed by Dwight Thomas, assistant professor of music, and student conductor Allan Chipman.  The ensemble travels to numerous churches in Pennsylvania and neighboring states throughout the academic year, singing urban-style gospel music. This music ministry emphasizes the rich heritage of music that exists within traditional and contemporary gospel forms.

Thomas is a graduate of Messiah College in music education.  He received his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan.

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,800 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.