Since arriving in 2007, the Raughts have devoted the majority of their time and energies to pioneering the Amsterdam Gospel FireChoir.
The Amsterdam Gospel FireChoir is a cross-cultural, community choir devoted to singing American Black Style Gospel Music which, in contrast to traditional Gospel Spirituals, is contemporary in its vocal and instrumental arrangements and mood.
The music we sing has the popular syncopated, jazzy, soul feeling that is traditionally associated with “gospel” style music that has grown out of the American South. But that’s only half of it. While many gospel choirs of today sing songs written on a wide variety of themes, the FireChoir stays true to the genre—Gospel, which literally means “Good News” or the news of redemption!
The people that attend our rehearsals and concerts frequently express how joyful and renewed they feel. Many choir members say ‘It’s over all ready? Can’t we sing more?’ This past week a new member approached me and said, ‘I love the feeling I get when I come to choir practice. It’s such a happy place and the music is so uplifting.’ I believe the music we sing feeds our souls and is the reason so many people leave our events feeling great!
The choir is open to anyone who wishes to join. No matter if they are religious, an atheist or agnostic, it really doesn’t matter because everyone who has joined is there because they simply enjoy singing, they like Gospel music and want to perform in a concert.
The FireChoir holds two seasons a year—Fall and Spring. Each season lasts around 12 weeks. Rehearsals are held once a week for 2 hours. This allows people to join with only a minor commitment. At the end, public concerts are performed on stage with live accompaniment.
FireChoir has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where everyone makes friends, is comfortable and feels at home. Our rehearsals are not all work. Coffee and socializing is part of our routine which is another reason why every week people anticipate FireChoir.
.