Life > April 12, 2007

By Elliot Engstrom

Asst. news editor

Chi Rho, a Christian student a cappella group, is preparing for one of the biggest concerts yet in the group’s 15 year history on April 21 in Wait Chapel.

Not only will the concert mark Chi Rho’s 15th anniversary as a musical group, but it will also be the CD release show for the group’s newest album, Here Is What I Know Now. 

“We recorded the CD over Christmas Break.  After the Orange Bowl, we stayed in Nashville for two weeks,” said sophomore Chi Rho member Sam Smartt. 

The group comes out with a new CD every two years, making this their eighth album.  However, only six albums are currently available for purchase, as the first two are no longer sold.

Smartt conveyed the entire group’s excitement about the upcoming concert.  “We’re all really excited,” he said. “This is the thing we look forward to for the entire year.  This is our biggest concert of the year by far.” Chi Rho holds a major concert in Wait Chapel every year. Last year, about 1,200 people attended.

Aside from these large concerts, the group is often active in other venues. “We sing at churches close to every other Sunday. We are singing at a retirement home and a black tie dinner this week,” Smartt said. “Sometimes we just sing in dorm parlors or the coffee shop.” Current freshmen may have seen Chi Rho perform at freshman orientation in August.

Those who come to the April 21 concert can expect to hear a cappella versions of music by artists such as Coldplay, Chris Tomlin, U2, Orange Sky, Mercy Me and Stevie Wonder.  “It’s pretty diverse,” Smartt said of the music to be performed.

While always looking to appeal to a broad audience musically, Chi Rho still maintains their religious base.  According to the group’s Web site, www.chirho.com, “We hold to the belief that Christ is out foundation.  Accordingly, our members continually pray and endeavor to maintain our dependence on the Rock. Chi Rho, as a group, could not flourish without the individual spiritual growth of its members.”

Even though Chi Rho has a religious element, they welcome everyone to come and listen to their music.

According to Smartt, “It can be a worship experience, or just a concert to appreciate the music.  Anyone is welcome.”

Chi Rho started in 1991, when two men saw a void on campus that they thought needed to be filled. 

Since then, the group has accumulated almost 60 alumni, seven albums and regional and national renown.  This summer, the group will embark on its first international tour to Europe.

The 15th anniversary and CD release concert will be held at 8 p.m. on April 21 in Wait Chapel and is free and open to the public.

Samples of their repertoire are available on their MySpace Web site, www.myspace.com/wfuchirho