At a time like this... a joyful celebration

7pm on Saturday 3 July 2021

St Andrews on The Terrace

(Bring gold coins for raffle tickets )

Gale Force Gospel's major concert for the year is led by our wonderful new director, Ben Woods. We sing moving and uplifting gospel songs, with lots of arrangements by the incomparable Tony Backhouse, and also Ben Woods and Carol Shortis.

Gale Force Gospel is an inclusive choir in Wellington. We primarily sing arrangements of African American gospel songs rooted in a tradition of finding freedom from slavery, and also spiritual songs from African, Pacific Islands and Māori cultures.

We mainly sing Tony Backhouse's uplifting arrangements of gospel ‘a cappella’. Tony has a huge passion and respect for the gospel tradition and visits communities in the southern United States regularly. He says “I've been visiting black churches on and off for 25 years and the experience of being in the midst of such celebration, commitment and energy never fails to blow my mind."

Our love of singing this energising, moving and exciting music brings us all together.

Welcome to our new director — Ben Woods

Ben has been singing and playing instruments since he was young. He initially focused on learning piano drums and percussion, switched to jazz piano, and had singing lessons with Jean Cumming. While completing a BMus(Hons) in Composition at the New Zealand School of Music, Ben joined Gale Force Gospel, singing with the basses, and then progressing to become our Assistant Director. Following Carol Shortis' departure last year (we miss her too), Ben brings a new energy and focus as our Director.

During the day, Ben is a music editor for music publisher, Promethean Editions, and a freelancer, creating sheet music for film/TV recording sessions and stage. He also enjoys photography, everything audio or hifi, and the occasional handyman project.

About Tony Backhouse

“TB has probably introduced more people to the physical pleasures of singing gospel music than anyone else in Australasia. On both sides of the Tasman and further afield, dozens of gospel choirs have emerged from his itinerant workshopping, and his arrangements form the backbone of much of their repertoire. Put simply, as far as this part of the gospel world goes, he’s the man” - Rick Bryant, singer, Auckland

Join Gale Force Gospel

If you are interested in singing in a friendly supportive environment, (and no auditions!), just come along and join us at 6pm on a Monday night at St Andrews on The Terrace. Term 3 starts on 26 July — we'd love to meet you.

www.galeforcegospel.org.nz