The first try may become the coolest experience! On June 13th, 2008, a unique choral concert was held in the Recital Hall of Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM). For the first time, the students of musicology department sang on the stage with their touching voice. In the same concert, the students of music education department showed their joy from the heart to everyone. The guest professor of CCOM Kimasi L. Browne and his Chinese students presented their study results in this semester to all the audiences through this lively concert. Their performance carries many students' dream and love.

Before the concert, Professor Zhang boyu, the Chair of musicology department, delivered a speech first. He said that it will be the first time that the students of musicology departments, being performers, present alien culture to the audiences. In addition, it is a very meaningful academic activity that musicology department, as a more and more internationalized department, invited Professor Browne teaching multi-culture theoretical course and choral course in this semester. It crossed the boundary of academic field and culture. Then, Prof. Browne shared his teaching experiences in CCOM with everyone. He pointed out that today's performance will be a unique one because all the students going to perform today will combine their strong cultural imprints with American gospel rhythm and form together. It may not be an original one, but the most interesting one.    

The concert consists of four parts: first part performed by the Gospel Choir of musicology department; second, performed by the Choir of music education department; third, Professor Kimasi Browne's pieces; fourth, co-performed by the Choirs of musicology department and music education department. The opening piece was God Gave Me a Song, conducted by Prof. Browne. Their excellent performance was full of passion and surprised audiences. They sang other three classical gospel songs later. The Choir of music education department was the second group. As a long term trained Choir, they dedicated series high difficulty songs in complicated rhythm and various styles. It is worth mentioning that the vocal soloist Li Shanshan and Guo He contributed particularly wonderful solo section and added a spotlight to the concert.

The highlight of the whole concert was Prof. Browne's two pieces, Better and Sky and Dreams, which he composed for China, for CCOM, for the Gospel Choral Concert and expressed his experiences and feelings about his life in China. Especially in Sky and Dreams composed for erhu, piano and baritone, the beautiful and melodious tune played by these three parts was well enjoyed by audiences with smile on their faces.

The last part included three songs, It's Gonna Rain, Unspeakable Joy and Hallelujah, performed by all students. Constantly changing rhythm and call-response melodic style among multi parts built up to a higher climax. The concentrated performance of all members of choirs excited all the people in the recital hall as well. On that moment, unspeakable joy lit up on everyone's face.

On the last moment of the concert, people hugged each other and shared the most beautiful wish with everyone. Yes, we heard the joy; yes, we felt the love from everyone. And everyone would treasure the being touched moment in his/her heart forever.