Lipscomb University hosts Gospel Music Association’s award show

For the past ten years, Lipscomb University has been the home of the Dove Awards, serving as the host venue. This year, students were able to perform on stage during the show for the first time as part of the a cappella vocal group, Sanctuary.

According to an article on Lipscomb University’s website, Randy Gill, who is the director of worship arts and an associate professor of music, said of the opportunity for Lipscomb students to be even more involved in the show than in years past, “Our students really rose to the occasion. They were so professional about it. I think it helped that several people in the group had already experienced performing in front of a really big audience in Allen Arena at a couple of Lighting of the Green shows.”

Gill himself even wrote the arrangement for the song performed by Katy Nichole at the awards show. Nichole was recognized at the show as the New Artist of the Year. The student singers in Sanctuary served as backup vocalists for her as she performed.

Students being invited to perform at this year’s Dove Awards was somewhat of a surprise, according to Gill. He received word that Centricity Music was looking into having the Sanctuary students perform at the show a mere two weeks before the Dove Awards were to take place.

“I got the text on Monday after rehearsal, so I had Tuesday to arrange it, Wednesday to teach it, and then Friday to polish it. We were in the studio Sunday night recording our part of the song,” said Gill. He said the experience was a whirlwind.

In addition to the vocal performers, there were plenty of other Lipscomb students getting hands-on experiences at the Dove Awards. Seventy-five students were able to act as journalists, photographers, ushers, and customer service throughout the event. Students even had the chance to interview the artists present on the red carpet.

For more information about Lipscomb University, visit the school’s website.