Jireh Gospel Choir

August 12, 2019
Gospel Choir

Get ready for a real gospel experience! We will explore the history of black music in the United States, review the characteristics of gospel music, listen to some of the music as sung by different gospel artists past and present, and we will have fun learning and performing some of the songs in this incredibly rich repertoire…including the well-known and ever- popular “O happy day”.

“… Guest Lecturer for my class on Global Music Pedagogy… What I anticipated would be an engaging presentation instead became a life changing experience. By the end of the 1.5 hour introduction to Gospel Choir pedagogy, Carol’s experise, energy, and charisma had easily persuaded the entire group to additionally visit her church choir rehearsal on their free time… Her successes with Jireh Gospel Choir are nothing short of impressive as is her resume of international workshops.”
– Dr. Lisa Lorenzino, McGill University, Montreal

“Not only was she able to lead a group of over 20 beginners to learn and sing new songs that we’d never heard before, but she patiently listened to each question and replied with a solid answer, pulled from years of experience and professional competence. She was able to spot weaknesses, and coach us on practical ways to overcome them, and perform with a greater degree of excellence. Her passion for music and for the Lord was evident and contagious. We received nothing but positive feedback from all participants, and we highly recommend Carol as a coach for any vocal or music group, whether it’s for a workshop for your choir, or for any other vocal or musical needs.”
– Ben Wagenmaker & Sophie Verrette, Music Ministers at Carrefour Chrétiens des Maskoutains, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada

SUCCESSFUL SINGING WEEK
«… But when it comes to movement the award goes hands down to the gospel choir and its Canadian director, Carol Bernard. From the first piece (a very effective “Oh happy day”), the singers were swinging to the rhythm and clapping their hands while the director dances, jumps, and marks time with her heel. In the room, the audience is standing. The music continues, a Negro Spiritual to give you goose bumps, Rhythm and Blues to which the entire choir danced… In conclusion the ultimate song where many people in the audience were able to repeat the chorus on exiting the concert hall: “I’m so happy, yes I am”.
Nevers, France

“75 singers gathered… After three days immersed in a gospel adventure, they and the public connected with gospel and the talents of Carol Bernard that literally bewitched students and listeners.”
– L’Yonne Républicaine, France

“Her professional abilities and her vitality made this day a clear success. The participants learnt a lot and she knew how to inspire them… unforgettable moments.”
– Nathalie Grenier, Conseil de la Culture de l’Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Canada

“Carol Bernard is an exceptional person and an extremely talented gospel musician and teacher. She is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate of gospel singing and offers inspired leadership to all who wish to learn the art of gospel singing. Carol’s creative and helpful techniques assist choirs and conductors to incorporate authentic, stylistic qualities when singing gospel music. At a recent gospel weekend hosted by Women of Note Carol’s enthusiasm, high energy and loving personality charmed every participant in the event including participating Manitoba choral conductors, members of “Women of Note” and the concert audience. In an end of season choir evaluation, members of “Women of Note” unanimously agreed that working with Carol Bernard has been a highlight of their WoN experience.”
– Patricia Rabson, Artistic Director/Conductor, Women of Note, Winnipeg, Canada

“Gospel singing is a specialty. So to lead a gospel music workshop you need a specialist of the genre. In my opinion, taking a workshop with Carol Bernard is like paying “the cream of the crop”. You want to have a real gospel experience?? Carol has received a gift from God and she is available to transmit her passion. Give her the opportunity and
you will not regret it.”
– Carolyne Legault, President, Chorale du Cégep de Saint-Jérome, Québec, Canada

McGill University

Choeur des enfants de Montréal

Feder Gospel Choirs, Milan, Italy

Polyfollia, Saint-Lô, France

Women of Note Choir, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Saint-Jerome, Quebec, Canada

Repentigny Gospel Festival

Europa Cantat – European Federation of Young Choirs, France

Fédévoix – Federation of choirs and vocal ensembles of Yonne, France

Conseil de la culture de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda

Camp Musical du Saguenay Lac St Jean

Recreation Center – Ville Saint-Laurent