By Avery Atkins, Contributing Writer
Photo by Rob Laughter at UnSplash
On Feb. 24, Susquehanna University welcomed Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar to Weber Chapel to perform an awe-inspiring show that lasted nearly two hours. Though originally from Augusta, Georgia, this gospel choir has performed across the United States, as well as in France, Poland, and Spain. “Zamar” is a Hebrew word found in the Bible, meaning “to praise, sing, or worship.” Another interpretation of the word is, “to make music to God,” which is exactly what Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar accomplished through their concert.
McLaughlin stated that he was a “melodramatic person,” which was immediately reaffirmed by his fellow singers and highlighted through their impressively eclectic pieces of work. This fearless, energetic showcase featured a wide-spread repertoire of religious, original, and musical theater songs from shows such as “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman,” and “The Lion King.” Both modern influences, like Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, and throwback influences, like Janis Joplin, were also incorporated into their performance, which provided a great change of pace between songs. McLaughlin said that he finds inspiration everywhere and that he will spontaneously begin having ideas for new arrangements simply from hearing songs on the radio. Before the performance, McLaughlin had conducted a workshop for the Susquehanna University choir students on campus, later inviting them onto the stage to perform “The Climb” with his group during the event, creating a truly powerful listening experience.
The members of this all-African American ensemble were unapologetically themselves and had a captivating way of getting their audience invested and involved in their performance. The energy and emotion in Weber Chapel was contagiously palpable, the sounds of cheers and clapping perfectly accompanying the bold and bright music that was being shared. Many audience members, including President Green, lent their voices and some even shed tears alongside the singers on stage, though McLaughlin assured everyone that they were “happy tears, not because they were sad.” This tight-knit group has been together through thick and thin, some of whom have survived cancer and experienced death, loss, and much more throughout the course of the pandemic. Despite these heavy and intensely vulnerable moments, McLaughlin and his performers were smiling and praising God through it all. Their motto, reflecting the chorus of Trey McLaughlin’s favorite song from the show, was “gotta be optimistic,” lyrics from the song “Optimistic” which was originally performed by Sounds of Blackness.
This inspirational concert was undeniably what Susquehanna University needed this time of year: a celebration of life. Thank you to Trey McLaughlin, The Sounds of Zamar, The Arts Events Committee, and everyone else who made this performance possible. What a great way to end Black History Month, and don’t forget to stay “Optimistic!”