By Marybeth O’Connor ’15
It’s the Gospel truth—there is a new singing group at Lafayette: “The Truth.” Brandi Porter ‘13 and Larissa Walcott ‘13 have just established a gospel R&B group, which will become the fourth a capella group on campus, following the Corduroys, Cadence, and Soulfege.
Why another singing group one may ask? Cur non! Porter and Walcott both have such a strong passion for music that they took the initiative to start the group. They decided it was time to bring some spirit, rhythm and soulful harmonies to Lafayette.
“We love this style of music and realized that it isn’t represented on campus. The purpose of this organization is to expose Lafayette’s campus to different musical genres such as gospel, soul and R&B for entertainment,” Porter said. She believes “these different styles will show music’s ability to lift up, and heal the mind, body, and soul.”
This project has been in the works for a few years now. Porter recalled someone who started a similar group years ago, but it dismantled when the founder graduated. They hope this Truth will be a more permanent fixture, and that it will “diversify the campus’s musical taste, because it spreads awareness to some of the vocal and musical styles in African American culture as well,” Porter said.
Dean of Intercultural Development John McKnight, advisor to The Truth, wanted the group to perform for black history month last February, so Welcott and Porter quickly rustled up singers they knew for a performance in the atrium of Farinon. The two founders decided however, it was best not to rush into solidifying the group while Porter was abroad for fear of a repeat of the previous group. Porter spent last semester in London, training in musical theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
When asked what she thought of a gospel R&B group, Nikelia Haines ‘15 said, “It’s going to be so awesome! I am definitely going to try out.”
This enthusiasm is quite welcome to Welcott and Porter. They hope that The Truth will last long after they graduate at spring semester’s end. Some songs The Truth hopes to perform this school year include Joyful Joyful, Hallelujah, Oh Happy Day, Lift Every Voice and Sing, End of the Road, Lean on Me (the Kirk Franklin version) and many others. Auditions are open to the Lafayette community. Bring a verse and a chorus this Sunday to the Marlo Room from 2 to 4 p.m.
Brandi Porter contributed reporting.