'Make a Joyful Noise’ with Dundalk’s newest choir

The community of St. Joseph’s Redemptorist church said they are delighted to announce the formation of a new Gospel Choir to add to its rich musical tradition.

As long as the church has been in Dundalk, it has been home to excellent music, from generations of bell ringers and boys’ choirs in the early days to the current popular and accomplished Redemptorist Choir under the direction of Musical Director Trevor Clarke.

As the newest addition to this offering, anyone with a passion for Gospel Music will be soon able to enjoy the uplifting, emotional pieces from a new Redemptorist Gospel Choir.

The choir will be directed by Paula Mullen, who developed a passion for Gospel music when she lived in the US, singing in several different church and semi-professional gospel choirs in Boston and Washington D.C.

Paula said: “For me, there’s something magical about singing Gospel music.

“There’s no doubt that movies like ‘Sister Act’ brought gospel music to a huge international audience, and I think everyone knows songs like ‘Oh Happy Day’.

“But I love the variety of moods and styles that have emerged through the years within gospel music - from the traditional African American Spiritual, to more classically influenced songs of popular gospel artists, right up to the contemporary pieces that blend gospel and rock.

“To sing Gospel music you need to be versatile, enthusiastic and have a certain zest!

“We have always had more than our fair share of musical talent in Dundalk, so I have no doubt that we will be able to build a choir that can create an authentic and uplifting gospel music experience for our listeners.”

Anyone who is interested in getting involved and giving their time and skills as a singer or musician on a voluntary basis can contact Paula for more information at dundalk.gospelchoir@cssr.ie.