Gatekeepers take stage for God on UA Mall

The Gatekeepers, a gospel group of 12 singers and a four-piece band, entertained their lunchtime audience with a music mix that ranged from gospel and hymns to R&B and contemporary music.

Gatekeeper Jael Morgan sang with a children's choir at age 7 and attended the Ironwood Hills Church with her musician mother.

"Then I sang because I loved to sing," she said. "Now I sing because I am a Christian and I believe that it's my calling."

The Gatekeepers, who perform on the UA Mall the first and third Tuesday of each month, include seven Pima College and University of Arizona students. Four others are in high school and five are employed.

The group purposely picked a noontime performance because they are likely to attract a large crowd of students taking a lunch break, said Gatekeeper Rebekah Winchester. She said the crowds are getting bigger each time they perform.

Morgan, an MIS freshman, said she saw a mixed reaction from yesterday's audience.

"There are those who sneer and walk away," she said, "but many people seem to really like our music and stay to listen to at least three songs before moving on."

There was evidence of this as the crowd surrounded the stage area, stretching to the UA Associated Students Bookstore steps and benches outside the Memorial Student Union during the performance.

Some ate their lunch as they listened while others stood around taking in the tunes.

One group of students stayed and danced through most of yesterday's show and several people came on stage afterward to find out more about the group.

Among them was creative writing senior Maurice Nelson, who helped the group clear away their instruments.

"I just want to help because I am a fellow believer and because their singing is so touching," he said.

The Gatekeepers play synthesizer, drums, piano, flute, acoustic and bass guitars. Some band members play more than one instrument.

Director Geraldo Rodriguez studied voice performance and trumpet at UA.

They vary their style in order to reach as wide an audience as possible for God, Morgan said.