Praise band searching for new members this spring

With the start of a new semester at Ottawa University, new opportunities can present themselves to students.

One of these is the opportunity to get involved in OU's praise band.

Current members, such as Freshman Joel McAdoo, said at the start of a new semester praise band offers try-outs for new members.

"Higher Calling praise band needs to audition members every semester so that everyone interested has the chance to be a part of it," McAdoo said.

The praise band is an activity that gets students involved hands-on in the worship experience during Sunday night chapel services.

McAdoo said praise band provides a good experience for him because he gets to put into action the things that matter most to him.

"Higher Calling is good for me because I get to fuse together two things I am passionate about, my music and my faith," he said.

Higher Calling praise band members gather on Mondays every week to take part in a Bible study. On Sunday evening chapels they also perform the worship portion of the service.

Freshman Ray Thomas is an OU student who expresses interest in being a part of praise band at some point.

"I'm not a part of praise band now but it could be a possibility of joining in the near future," he said. "I think it is one of the most effective ways of getting people to come learn about God through the music that is played."

Thomas feels that when students get involved in groups such as this, it can do a lot of good.

"More people should join because then they can bring more of an audience for a good cause," he said.

Pastor Bud McCluney said auditions are held at the start of the new semester because they will always need new talent in addition to the members they already had.

"We're trying to build up and make the band better," McCluney said. "We needed more instruments and more vocal."

McCluney said Higher Calling is a student led organization that is run through campus ministries. They held auditions on Monday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 11. They acquired 4 new members.