Joyful Sound: a highlight of NGU’s traveling music team
Hannah Foos, Staff Writer
Joyful Sound is a worship group created through North Greenville in hopes of bringing everyone closer to God through worship and community. It is also a scholarship opportunity for anyone with a passion for music. Joyful Sound began 45 years ago in 1977. It began with a very small team, but has grown a lot since then.
Steven Crouse served as a music director from 1984-1987. In 1987, he moved to North Carolina, where he was no longer involved in Joyful sound. He came back in 2002 as a music director, but is currently working as a manager.
Crouse stated his passion for music began when he started playing guitar at 16 years old. He was involved in band during school, and currently plays in a worship band on Sunday mornings. He loves music because God uses what they create to reach others and express their faith in God. Crouse has been a part of Joyful sound for 20 years, and his favorite thing about Joyful Sound is being involved with students and the discipleship that goes on.
Crouse is in charge of choosing the team and setting up a time for spiritual formation. Josh Epton is a campus pastor who also works for Joyful Sound. Epton organizes rehearsal times and weekly team leader meetings, as well as addresses any problems within Joyful Sound. A typical rehearsal for Joyful sound varies from day to day. Sometimes the entire team rehearses, or they’ll rehearse one-on-one.
Sometimes they set up sound equipment, and some days they have times of spiritual formation. Joyful Sound is very challenging, yet rewarding. Students only have one weekend off a month. They travel on Sundays, and on Mondays, they rehearse for 3 hours.
Lauren Fisher is a freshman elementary education major. She joined Joyful Sound because she has a heart for leading worship and serving the community. Fisher said, “I knew I was called to ministry and joining Joyful Sound has shown me ways that the Lord can use me, even in ways I couldn’t imagine.”
Fisher’s favorite thing about Joyful Sound has been the relationships and community she has made and is now a part of. “They have become a second family to me,” she said. Fisher said it’s difficult not being a part of a home church, but that she wouldn’t have it any other way and she loves Joyful Sound. When Fisher was accepted into Joyful sound, she was extremely happy. Since the audition process was stressful enough, she is glad it’s over and done with.
Tyler Jacobs is a senior music worship studies major. Jacobs said he wanted to join Joyful Sound because he loves what the ministry represents. “It is a unique opportunity to do what I love, which is to lead worship, and it allows me to travel to so many places that I probably wouldn’t get to go to without it and share about the hope we have in Christ,” said Jacobs.
One of Jacobs’ favorite things about Joyful Sound is he gets to do what he is most passionate about. “It allows me to meet and minister to people of varying ages and backgrounds and invite them to come alongside us and worship,” said Jacobs. Jacobs said the ministry aspect has to be one of the most important things about Joyful Sound.
Everyone in Joyful Sound says their favorite part about being on the team is getting to meet new people and being involved with a community. They also love getting to share the gospel, whether it’s through sharing their testimony, through song, or even solely by welcoming others and being a friend. If you or anyone you know would like to participate in this wonderful opportunity to spread the gospel with others, keep your eyes open for Joyful Sound auditions next year.
