The Northern Black Choir has opened its arms to the NIU community, making sure the religious experience feels a little more like home.

“We are a bunch of energetic young people who don’t mind sharing the gift that the Lord has blessed us with,” said Taija Cockrell, a junior health administration major and NBC president.

About 70 students Wednesday night were eager to audition for the largest Student Association-allocated organization on campus. Auditions also were held on Aug. 29 at the Music Building. NBC started auditions with a prayer and immediately jumped into singing.

Everyone, including new members, was encouraged to join the singing. Next, there was a small rehearsal and then the auditions began.

“I was afraid,” freshman nursing major Ericka Sandifer said. “But I’m always afraid to sing in front of a group of people. They made me feel comfortable and I just put my heart into the singing.”

Veronica Ilion, a freshman computer engineering major, was one of the first people to show up.

“I’m singing for the Lord, so the auditions are not scary for me,” she said.

From the first audition, 35 new members were added to the choir. The second audition results were not available as of early Wednesday night.

NBC does not participate in any competitions, but they have opened for recording gospel acts such as Malcolm Williams and the Voices of Great Faith. Williams is a former NBC director.

When the choir was formed in 1968, it included only African Americans. Now, any students of any race can try out for the choir. NBC encourages everyone interested to audition for the choir.

“Just because it is the Northern Black Choir does not mean that we only recruit black students,” said Danielle Townsend, a sophomore corporate communication major and assistant choir director.

The choir’s first engagement is Sept. 15 at New Life Ministries International, 2435 Bethany Road, in Sycamore.

“Our engagements are always uplifting,” Cockrell said. “We love to sing gospel music, and we love to inspire others. NBC is very excited about this year.”

Cockrell said the choir is under new leadership and is planning a car wash fundraiser on Oct. 6 at Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road.

“I hope everyone comes to hear us sing and support the choir,” Cockrell said.