By Natalia Rich
For the first time in a few years, there is a new male lead singer for the Heritage Chapel Band, freshman Christian Studies major from Garland Biak Sang.
Sang has been the “talk of the town” recently for being the only male lead singer as of right now for the band. Sang said he believes his presence has changed the experience of chapel a little bit.
“It’s cool, because we get to give the congregation a mix of songs for guys and girls, so that they can sing along, without having to strain their voices,” said Sang.
Sang has been making an impact at HPU with his strong vocals and encouragement to others through his style of worshiping.
Sang comes from a background of worship, as his father was a lead singer for his church back in his hometown, and he would lead the congregation of his church in hymns. His mother led a women’s Bible study and he would sing songs there as well. His brother and sister are also musicians as they play many different instruments and led from time to time in the church.
Sang followed in their footsteps by starting to worship at two different churches during high school years and learned the guitar, too.
Before Sang joined the Heritage Chapel Band he was facing doubts.
“I wasn’t sure what it was for or if I even had a chance or knew what I was doing, because while I know and love a lot of the songs we sing in our church today, it was kind of different and new, because again, I’ve never done all the modern church preparation to lead songs,” said Sang.
“But, I was encouraged plus pushed on by friends of mine, and really good people that were like there’s no harm in it, and I mean they’re always looking for new people, new instrumentalists, and especially new male vocalists, so it wasn’t a bad idea,” Sang added.
Sang said he sees God moving through the chapel band and its members, and he believes God had a purpose in putting him in the band.
“God has definitely been moving,” said Sang. “He’s giving me the chance to be part of it and lead others into knowing the fact that it’s not only females that can act in worship this way, but also males, anyone who’s willing to know and seek Christ.”
Isabel Clevenger, a senior biomedical science major from Brownwood, said the change has been good for chapel band, and she has enjoyed the change of pace.
“I’m super excited that we have a male in chapel band now,” said Clevenger. “There are a lot of songs that benefit from a male lead, so having that opportunity allows us to expand our song selection. A male vocal presence also adds to the depth of harmonies.”
Heritage band has not only been able to perform at chapel, but at other events as well. In September they were asked to perform at an event held on campus for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sang said it was a good experience.
“We were able to sing some songs for them and lead them in worship,” said Sang. “It was really good, because it was a fun Saturday and we all got together,”
Sang said he is thankful to be a part of the band and for all the kind and encouraging words he has received from his peers.
“It makes me feel really good,” said Sang. “I think it definitely encourages me that what I’m doing and how I act is in God’s glory. I’m very thankful.”
Photo of staff writer Natalia Rich