GRANTHAM, Pa. (March 29, 2007)— United Voices of Praise, the gospel choir from Messiah College, will present an evening of gospel music on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel on the college’s Grantham campus.  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 music.

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

The department of music at Messiah College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The department offers majors in music and music education. Through a variety of junior and senior recitals and choral and instrumental ensembles, students gain performing experience both on- and off-campus.

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls nearly 2,900 undergraduate students in 60 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.