For members of the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir, singing and producing shows together is a joyful and meaningful part of their educational experience at the University of Pennsylvania.

Comprised of 30 members, the non-denominational group performs modern to traditional gospel music, as well as contemporary Christian songs. NSP inspires audiences at shows on campus and throughout the Philadelphia region. The group recently performed at Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Commemoration at Irvine Auditorium. 

The group is open to anyone who wants to sing. And there are no auditions.

“We like to say you don’t have to be able to sing. You just have to be able to blend,” says senior Sarah Appeadu, NSP co-director and a biology major from Johns Creek, Ga.

Adriana Garcia, secretary, says choir members come from all religious backgrounds. 

“Some people in our choir aren’t Christian and still enjoy participating and performing and being part of a warm community,” says Garcia, a senior majoring in East Asian languages and civilization. 

Garcia, of White Plains, N.Y., was raised Catholic and had no experience with gospel music when she joined as a freshman.

“You don’t have to know anything about gospel to join. It’s a really good opportunity to learn something new.

“In gospel, things are a little bit more free, and it’s more about your connection to God and the moment that you’re singing and performing and you’re ministering,” says Garcia. “I think that’s what really attracted me to want to continue this because it’s different from everything I knew about religion.”

The group holds two rehearsals each week, which gives members a chance to make friends and form close bonds. The connections are so strong, some members consider the group as their campus family.

“It’s a safe space where you can leave all of the heavy things that you carry around all day. All of the work, the stress, the pressure,” says Garcia. “It’s a place where you can have fun and sing and dance and laugh. It’s definitely a place you can cry.” 

Appeadu says, “It’s the glue that keeps me grounded. It is a place for worship, to be in a spiritual setting with your family.”