Meet La’Rae Trice, OC’s Gospel Choir Director. Professor Trice has a strong passion for helping students discover their voices, as well fostering personal growth and development in young singers and musicians. In her role, Professor Trice conducts the Gospel Choir in performances and in the classroom, and serves as a The University of Olivet ambassador in the world of gospel performers.
Why do you love working at OC?
Of course, the familial atmosphere – literally, everyone here is related to SOMEONE! But more than that, being in a small and close environment, we get to immediately see the impact we’re making on the students here. If students aren’t growing and thriving, it doesn’t take us long to figure out why, and we can quickly work to become more effective educators and supporters to our students.
Why is attending OC the “Best. Decision. Ever.” a student can make?
Everyone one who works for Olivet is personally invested in each student’s success. We know what their career aspirations are, we know their hidden talents, we know their dog’s name at home – we KNOW them because we want to pull every wonderful thing out of them so they can go out into the world and be more and do better than the average Joe. We celebrate and cry with them. We live and breath the triumphs of our students, and that is the type of loving motivation any student needs to graduate, especially a first generation student.
What are some things or events you are looking forward to in your role?
The whole purpose of a Gospel Choir is to take the good news of Christ’s love to as many people as possible through the vehicle of song. As much as we love our Olivet and Michigan community, I plan to be very intentional about both national and international performance opportunities for my students. Not only will it expand their way of thinking and how they see the world, but I know these talented students have a gift that will touch and change lives.
What is the number one piece of advice you share with students?
Take the leap. So many students run from a good opportunity because they’re afraid of so many things: costs, homesickness, unpreparedness, lack of whatever, when I’ve seen God make up the difference! Never let fear stop you from being great!
More about Professor Trice:
• Professor Trice began crocheting a year ago, and enjoys the slow-paced focus it requires. She even crocheted a Captain America themed drum kit cover the Gospel Choir uses.
• She has been singing since she was 5-years-old, and even released a gospel album this year, Rhythm Man, co-produced with her father that debuted on Billboard’s Top 25 Gospel Albums.
• She holds a bachelor’s degree in music business with a concentration in production from Belmont University in Nashville and a master’s degree in business administration from the European School of Economics in Rome.
Learn about joining the Gospel Choir – Performance and Participatory Scholarships – by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.