The Student Choir at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has successfully made it through to compete at this year’s annual University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition.
The final, which will be held on Saturday 14 March at the Hippodrome, North London, sees eight university gospel choirs from around the country compete to be crowned national champions at what is an unprecedented platform for groups to showcase and develop their musical abilities.
The UGCY is a voluntary organisation set up in 2011 with the aim of bringing together talented and diverse individuals through music to encourage them to strive for excellence and to go beyond their own limitations whilst inspiring others through their own music.
Among the 30-strong DMU Student Choir troupe is 2nd year Graphic Design student Seyi Ogunnaike, who has been part of the choir since it was formed in October last year.
Seyi said: “We were really shocked to find we’d made the final because obviously we’re very new. We really didn’t expect it.
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“We thought it was a joke at first because we didn’t think we were good enough but clearly we are! It’s been a massive confidence boost.”
Since finding out they were one of two Leicester-based choirs singing at the final - the other is from University of Leicester - the DMU gospel choir has stepped up its preparations in the hope of beating its city rivals as well as reigning champions, the University of Nottingham.
Seyi added: “In the build up to the final we’re having rehearsals every day and then we’ve planned a whole group social so that everybody can get together and get to know each other better and just relax ahead of the big day.
“It’s going to be a long day, we’re leaving Leicester at 4.00am but we’re looking forward to it. We’ve had funding from the De Montfort Student Union as well to help with travel because obviously we’re so new we haven’t had time for fundraisers. It's really helpful of them and we’re very grateful.
“We’re going into the final to win it. I’m confident in the choir and in our song selection but it won’t be the end of the world if we don’t win, it will just be a great experience and we’ve had fun getting this far.”
Posted on Wednesday 11 March 2015