Story and video by Makenzie Shubnell
Christ Central Choir is Central Michigan University’s gospel choral group, performing at their own concerts, nearby churches and events. The choir operates not just as a place for students to improve their own musical abilities, but rather as an opportunity for them to connect with their faith amongst like-minded peers.
Choir Director Ziere Sasnett has his own personal connection to the group and how it provided him with a familiar place to connect with God.
“I joined the choir, because the closest thing to home that I had when I got to CMU, it was the closest thing to what I was used to, what I had done as a child, it was the closest thing to my home church,” Sasnett said. “I stayed because I really started liking it for personal reasons, I liked when I was doing, I liked what was going on. And so I stayed.”
Other members feel similarly, as though the choir provided them with a place to freely worship on their own accord. Treasurer Lauren Kearney says her perspective on religion has changed since joining the choir for her own personal enjoyment.
“Growing up, it was all about church,” Kearney said. "I was like, I want to tap into my faith without my parents pulling me into church like ‘you have to be here,’ I want to do something where I’m comfortable and it’s my own kind of duty to God.”
In preparation for their spring concert, the choir has been practicing on a frequent basis. Aside from singing, the group worships together as a unit, leading their decisions with prayer.
“We don't do anything without prayer,” Sasnett said. “So we start off with prayer. We start off with intentional worship time, and then when we practice, we practice, you know, from our spirits.”
In addition to their spring concert, the Christ Central Choir often travels for events, spending an abundance of time together in order to perform at their best. Member Mikaila Hancock refers to the work they put in as being a full-time job.
“I say we’re always on call because every weekend we’re singing somewhere either on campus or in Detroit or Midland…” Hancock said. “It’s like a full-time job that you probably didn’t know you were getting yourself into, but at the same time it’s a lot of fun.”
Vice President Brooklyn Caxton touched on how the spiritual nature of the choir has impacted its members.
“We did have members who joined who either weren’t saved who end up getting saved while we were at an event, or just certain members, you can really see their growth in their spirituality,” Caxton said. “So without Him and without our belief in Him, you know, we wouldn’t be where we are, so it just plays a very big part.”
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