Dayspring

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Local group to sing Sept. 11 at Braves game.

Published on 3/13/2005

By Lisa Law

AMERICUS-The not so ordinary group originate up with a couple of more friends to form a group of five called "Day Spring," a Christian acappella group from Williams Road Church of Christ which soon made an impact on audiences in and around the community. On Wednesday, the group heads for Turner Field in Atlanta to sing the National Anthem prior to the Braves versus the New York Mets in a double-header starting at 1:05 p.m. One could describe Day Spring as boys dressed in black who sing their hearts out to the tunes of popular Christian artists and others. "It all started when we sang at a Valentine's banquet. We started as a three-member group called Triad which included David (Luten), Jason (Ross), and myself. Then Russ (Wishum) and John (Landrum) joined us and we formed Day Spring," said Michael Luten, 15. "Day Spring was taken from Luke 1:78 which refers to Jesus as the day spring, the beginning. It refers to Jesus as new life," he said. The other group members range in age from 15 to 18. The group soon became an impressive bunch, even though this wasn't their intention. "We started singing at revivals, youth rallies, church social gatherings and we decided to bust up since two members of our group left for college. However, we were asked to sing at the Braves game, so we're back together again and plan to leave (today) for our last perormance together," said Wishum. The group doesn't admit to their popularity, however they did agree Sept. 11 had a large impact on their popularity. "We sing for whoever will have us," said David Luten jokingly as the rest of the group jokes about their transformation to fame. According to Wishum, the unfamiliarity of teenagers singing for God and the patriotism after the tragedy may have affected their requests for perfomances." "After the tragedy of Sept. 11, many people requested the national Anthem. People were more patriotic. Also, I believe people were impressed with teenagers singing for God," said Wishum. "People also enjoy the sound of acappella," said Michel Luten. After polishing their voices and making various requested appearances at special dedications and events throughout the community, the word soon spread. Day Spring was gaining momentum and touching hearts with acappella. "People showed love for their country after the tragedy. Before, they took it for granted that we were free," said Michael Luten. "They (Americans) always loved their country. Before, they just didn't realize how much they loved it until it got attacked because we never realize how much we love something until it's gone," said David Luten. The teenage group will sing the National Anthem at 1:05 p.m. Wednesday at Turner Field. "Day Spring will be there unless the high tenor bumps his toe on a bleacher and can't get up," said Michael Luten jokingly as the others of the group remind him to get serious.



Article Credits and References

Lisa Law

Music Artists

News Article

Local group to sing Sept. 11 at Braves game.