Members of the Department of Music and Coastal Carolina University's student choirs came together, virtually, to create a touching piece through the Virtual Choir Project. Forty-four individuals appear on screen, to sing Bobby McFerrin's arrangement of the 23rd Psalm.

Senior music major Ethan Toavs spent 70 hours putting the music video compilation together, which can be seen here.

The compilation includes the voices of 36 members of the Concert Choir, five voice faculty members, and three alumni.

"This beautiful piece of music features our talented music students and faculty and our expertise in music technology in our undergraduate and graduate programs," said Claudia Bornholt, dean of the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts.

According to Tim Koch, director of choral activities at CCU, McFerrin re-interpreted the 23rd Psalm substituting the female gender for male as a tribute to his mother. Full lyrics are below.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need

She makes me lie down in green meadows

Beside the still waters, She will lead

She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs

She leads me in a path of good things

And fills my heart with songs

Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land

There is nothing that can shake me

She has said She won't forsake me

I'm in her hand

She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes

She anoints my head with oil

And my cup overflows

Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me

All the days of my life

And I will live in her house

Forever, forever and ever

Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter

And to the Holy of Holies

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World, without end

Amen

Additional information:

coastal.edu/music

Choral and vocal and ensembles

Master of Arts in music technology