Some people sing to express joy or frustration. Some sing simply to complement the acoustics of a running shower. And then there are those who sing to spread messages of hope and inspiration.
This is the case for Road to Damascus, UCLA’s only Christian a cappella group on campus, whose lyrics provide hope and encouragement, said Benjamin Yang, a second-year economics student and Road to Damascus musical director.
The group, consisting of 16 vocalists, will host its annual spring concert today at Kerckhoff Grand Salon.
The name of the group is a biblical reference inspired by Acts 9 of the Bible where one of God’s disciples is called upon to follow Christ.
However, although much of the music has gospel influences, one does not have to be Christian to enjoy this group’s uplifting message, which, according to fourth-year ethnomusicology student Yuki Akaishi, sets this group apart from other music groups on campus.
Akaishi has been a member since her first year at UCLA, and witnessed the founding of the group in 2008. She describes the group’s sound as pop with influences of gospel and alternative.
The group arranges most of its own music and also does renditions of popular songs including “Where is the Love?” by the Black Eyed Peas, and “Everywhere” by Michelle Branch. The group also incorporates some country into its performances with its version of “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.
This array of song choices ““ each with an underlying message of encouragement ““ reflects the varied musical backgrounds of the group members themselves, from classically trained jazz pianists to former screamo band members, said Akaishi.
The group also has its very own beatboxer, third-year computer science student and current Road to Damascus president Timothy Wang, who said that music has positively influenced his college career and his perspective on life.
“The music you listen to can change your way of thinking without you even knowing it,” Wang said. “It’s beautiful how something even without lyrics can speak to you, and that’s why it’s so important in my life.”
Practicing a total of four hours a week, the group is not only a musical collaboration and prayer support system ““ it is also like a family, Wang said.
“It’s been a blessing to find a family that I can return to week after week,” Wang said. “Even though we’re all so different, we can universally have fun.”
Akaishi, who said her experience with Road to Damascus has been both humbling and eye-opening, agrees that music brings people together on a deeper level than simple day-to-day interactions.
Amid the inevitable academic stress of UCLA, Road to Damascus’ message of faith reminds students to remain positive and to get involved with something that they love, Yang said.
“Life shouldn’t just be about academics. It should be about what you’re passionate about.”