The Contemporary Gospel Choir performed a 30-minute concert rehearsal in the Arts, Media and Entertainment Quad of Cosumnes River College on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Led by professor of vocal music Omari Tau, the preview was a teaser for the upcoming choir recital on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m in the recital hall. The concert will last about an hour and showcase two choir ensembles.

“Sometimes music makes people nervous and vulnerable, but when people learn to let go, they get what they need out of their instrument,” Tau said.

Tau said the best thing about this semester’s choir is that they’ve got a great energy, which is the main quality needed for an ensemble.

The choir performed four pieces while Tau played the piano as an accompaniment. The choir snapped and clapped to keep the beat and add to the sound.

Jianna Eugenio, a 27-year-old music major and assistant choral director, said she loves being in the choir because she connects to the message of hope and resilience.

“It’s a joy to be able to spread positive and hopeful messages to our listeners,” Eugenio said.

The music department has live performances set up all week in anticipation for the upcoming recital as well as another concert on Dec. 5.

Alex Martinez, a 18-year-old deaf studies major, said she really connects with other people’s emotions based on the music, which is what draws her to the choir.

“I understand that what I sing has a lot of weight for other people,” Martinez said.

Tau said the gospel choir has a “come as you are” attitude and everyone has valuable skills. When all those skills get put together in the music, even the students are surprised at how beautiful they sound.

“An ‘aha’ moment is something really beautiful and tangible that we all get to experience as a group. That’s what they’ve always been capable of,” Tau said.