Uniondale High School’s Rhythm of the Knight Show Choir doesn’t usually perform gospel music. But when it took the stage at this year’s second Gospel Fest Nov. 9, something changed — in the audience, on stage and, soon, online.
The gospel-themed performance at the high school drew a standing ovation, brought tears to the eyes of students and staff, and — thanks to a clip posted by choir member Presley Crawford — racked up more than 300,000 views on TikTok in two days.
Choir Director Lynnette Carr-Hicks said it was the greatest online response the group has ever had.
Before every performance, the ensemble usually has a pep talk or a prayer to boost the students’ confidence, but this performance felt different. “It felt like the Lord came down,” said student Jesse Mason, a member of the choir. “As we sang, it felt like He was there, empowering us. I felt the Holy Spirit — it was electrifying.”
For Carr-Hicks, the night carried even deeper meaning. “Total Praise,” the choir’s final number, filled her with emotion.
“That song meant a lot to me,” she said. “I had three brain surgeries last year. They never figured out what caused the bleeding. I had a shunt put in, then taken out. It was a rough nine months, but I’m healthy now, and that moment on stage, it just brought everything full circle.
“This group made me cry,” Carr-Hicks added. “In the best way.”
Mason recounted she felt nervous at first. “But when I got up there, I felt like everybody, with their energy, brought me to life,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to perform and do my best.”
The event brought the community together for a night of powerful music, and raised money for its national-level competitions. These trips are essential in helping these students continue performing on a national stage.
The program featured scripture readings and gospel selections that resonated deeply with the performers and the crowd.
Nine-year-old guest vocalist stunned the audience with what Carr-Hicks described as “an out-of-this-world voice.” By the end of performance, the audience was on its feet.
On Instagram, the Uniondale Show Choirs official page stated, “Only in fourth grade and already stealing the show!”
District Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil praised the event at a Uniondale Resource Center meeting almost two weeks later, noting the large turnout.
“It’s more than money,” she said. “That show of support really means something to us. And people told me, ‘We had no idea this was happening in our backyard.’”
Carr-Hicks created Rhythm of the Knight in 2010, and the group began competing nationally three years lager. Since then it has grown into one of the most celebrated student ensembles in the region, known for high-energy performances, sharp choreography and emotional storytelling.
This year’s group is smaller — just 25 members, compared with around 40 in previous years — but Carr-Hicks said they are among the strongest vocalists she has ever directed.
The choir is about more than music. “We’re like a family,” Mason said. “We support each other, not just in rehearsals, but in life.”
Crawford agreed, saying, “When we’re all together, it feels powerful — like we’re one voice.”
The group competes each year against schools across the country in Orlando, Florida, FAME Orlando Show Choir of America event part of a national show choir circuit, and has won grand champion and first runner-up titles. Carr-Hicks never expected to reach that level when she started the choir 15 years ago, as she started competing three years later.
She hosted Uniondale’s first Gospel Fest in 2021, and brought it back this year, after community members asked for it. “Sometimes the community comes to me and says what they want to see,” she said. “I decided to do the Gospel Fest.”
Next up for Rhythm of the Knight was a pre-show performance at the Jonas Brothers concert at UBS Arena on Wednesday, after the Herald went to press, with the hope of meeting the brothers.
“They said they want to meet us,” Carr-Hicks said, “but we’re just going to the pre-show prior, when people are coming into the theater.”
For Carr-Hicks, Gospel Fest wasn’t just about music. It was about gratitude.
