PHOENIX, Arizona — Grand Canyon University’s premiere vocal ensemble, Critical Mass, is heading to the Nation’s capital this weekend to perform at the White House in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The choir will perform three songs as part of the “Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving.” According to Juan Hernandez, assistant dean of the GCU College of Arts and Media, the group is believed to be one of only two collegiate ensembles selected for the event.
For the student performers, it’s a dream come true.
“We were all just in shock,” said Luke Lundberg, an incoming senior at GCU. “It came out of nowhere.”
Joanna Heneveld, a recent graduate, echoed that sentiment.
“The whole room kind of exploded,” she said. “We were all very excited.”
The opportunity arose following a meeting between the White House and GCU’s vice president of government affairs. When officials asked for a student group capable of participating in the historic milestone, the university immediately tapped Critical Mass.
Hernandez, who founded the university’s music department in 2010, said he wasn’t surprised by the high-profile invitation.
“They’re very talented and dedicated, and of course, this is the right opportunity,” Hernandez said.
For many members of the ensemble, the performance represents more than just a musical showcase; it is an opportunity to combine their faith with their patriotism.
“It is a call for a celebration to celebrate our country and to give thanks to God,” Heneveld said. “I get to communicate my thankfulness for God for this wonderful country. I feel very blessed to be a citizen of the U.S.”
Lundberg noted that the magnitude of the event will stay with him for a lifetime.
“I think it’s the greatest country in the world,” Lundberg said. “To get that chance to not only represent GCU but represent the country in this way, I think that’s really special, and I definitely will be telling my kids about it.”
The performance is scheduled for Sunday and will be broadcast from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST. Viewers can stream the event live at freedom250.org.