As with all things, there was a beginning and the story of In The Spirit cannot be accurately told without mentioning its origins. In September 2007 at the conclusion of a hot, steamy monsoon season in Arizona, The Bahá’í World Choir of Tucson was born. Director/Producer, Hugh Rowley, recruited a diverse group of people from the Bahá’í communities of the greater Tucson area and brought them together to form a choir. Inspired by his love of choral music and his experience singing in and organizing choirs, Hugh built a repertoire of music featuring both choral and gospel compositions inspired by the Bahá’í Sacred Writings.
The choir focused on public performances: the Arab/Israeli Tucson Peace Conference, a gospel music workshop and concert with Van Gilmer, a nationally known gospel composer and director, a Santa Cruz Valley Interfaith Council choral concert, a Bahá’í Naw Ruz (New Year) entertainment, and one more performance at a Unity Church sponsored Bahá’í Peace Day program.
During the summer of 2008, some members of the choir decided to form a small singing ensemble. The focus of this group is on prayer and devotion to God through music inspired by the Sacred Writings of the Bahá’í Faith. Regular musical devotionals began in August 2008 at the Kelso Street Bahá’í Center. This smaller group of singers became known as In The Spirit. The group has expanded by adding instrumentalists to fill out its unique sound with African drums, flute, ocarina, guitars, piano and various rhythm instruments. Its expanding repertoire includes songs in a variety of languages and styles, such as gospel, spirituals, jazz, Latin American, Christian hymns, Hebrew and Persian chants, and choral pieces adapted to a small group of voices.
Besides conducting a regular schedule of devotionals, In The Spirit participates in Bahá’í Holy Day celebrations, community events such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations, as well as offering devotionals at a residential drug rehabilitation program. In The Spirit is a work in progress. As this enthusiastic group of musicians and singers strive to stretch their musical wings, gratitude and thanks are given to Hugh Rowley for his dedication and service. He was the catalyst for Bahá’í singers to come together to raise their voices in song and praise of God.
