PICTURED RIGHT: National recording artist Kim Burrell joins the stage with the Texas College Choir at "Bring the Choir Back 2024" at New Life Community Church in Tyler, Texas.
To culminate the 2024 Choir Camp, the Texas College Choir hosted their annual concert, "Bring the Choir Back 2024," on Thursday, August 15, at New Life Community Church in Tyler, Texas. This year's performance included special guest national recording artist Kim Burrell. The concert, which garnered a standing room only audience, graced the ears of all present as the Texas College Choir performed a multitude of invigorating selections themselves, as well as powerful performances alongside Burrell.
In addition to the opportunity to perform with Kim Burrell, the Texas College Choir was also afforded invaluable wisdom and mentorship from her. Prior to the concert, Kim Burrell graced the Choir Room with her presence to speak with the Texas College Choir, offering insights from her undoubtedly decorated career and providing words of encouragement for the students, as well as a question and answer session for the Choir members.
"Our session with her prior to the concert was amazing," said Jared Shears, member of the Texas College Choir. "She explained her musical processes, how to deliver our songs, how to communicate, and how to navigate the creation and delivery of music. To have someone of that level and stature pour into us is priceless."
PICTURED ABOVE: National recording artist Kim Burrell speaks to the Texas College Choir in the Choir Room before the "Bring the Choir Back 2024" concert.
"Kim Burrell is one of the best in the industry. Not just gospel, but the music industry generally," commented Charles Shaw, Choir Director. "Her being here is important to our Choir to elevate and enhance them to a level that they would have never expected. Bringing a national artist like her provides our students an injection of confidence to perform their best. Essentially, it shows that the Texas College Choir is on a level that is good enough to perform with the likes of Kim Burrell and other national recording artists."
"With Kim Burrell joining us as a special guest, as well as her mentorship, it gives the Choir a different and elevated level of exposure," noted Shears. "With the platform that she is on, her presence alone opens a lot of doors for us and inspires us for where we can go in the future."
