The National Quartet Convention - the granddaddy of them all

They came in cars, vans, motor homes, buses and airplanes. They came for the whole week, a long weekend or just for one day. They came from California to Maine, Texas to Michigan and even other countries. They came to hear their favorite singers, spend time with old friends, eat at favorite restaurants and to study God's Word. They came from all walks of life, but they had one thing in common: They love Southern Gospel music.
The 51st National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Ky., drew a crowd of more than 25,000 the week of Sept. 7. For six days, Freedom Hall rang with four-part quartet harmony, awesome trios, amazing family groups, powerful soloists and the talented array of musicians who accompany them.
For one Morganton family, NQC is a tradition. Twice during the week, the Whisnants graced the stage, bringing the audience to its feet. Jeff and Susan Whisnant have been singing side by side for more than 20 years now — their entire married life. Their sons, Austin and Ethan, travel with them on their bus, Goldie. Susan home schools, so Goldie also serves as a classroom when they are on the road. The boys sing one song each at concerts. Austin hopes to join the family full time on bass guitar very soon, and Ethan is practicing to be their future drummer. Aaron Hise, lead singer, and Eric Ollis, pianist, also both from Morganton, complete the group. The Whisnants and their music are loved not only here in North Carolina, but all across the nation.
More than 50 nationally-known, full-time groups sang in the nightly concerts. A few veteran singers made their 51st appearance at NQC. For some, this was their first. And for many, singing on the "big stage" is still a dream.
During the day, one could take advantage of the local tourist attractions like the Louisville Slugger Factory, the Kentucky Derby Museum or a paddlewheel boat ride down the Ohio River. Or one could attend special NQC events, including artist showcases, Bible studies and workshops. At 4 p.m. the artist booths opened and fans flooded the aisles to talk to their favorite groups and purchase CDs. Concerts began at 6 p.m. and lasted until midnight. Most fans stayed until the final prayer, only to go back to the motel, sleep a few hours and start all over again the next day. To NQC attendees, this week is a little bit of heaven on earth.
For the Singing News Fan Awards, held on Saturday night this year, Susan Whisnant was nominated as one of the top-five favorite alto singers.
Immediately after the awards ceremony, the Whisnants had to tear down their booth and head toward South Carolina, for a 9 o'clock concert Sunday morning. They drove nine hours through the night, to get there in time to set up and sing.
Singing at the National Quartet Convention, for a huge crowd in a spacious hall isn't the norm for most full-time Southern Gospel groups.
Sure, it's nice to be part of it, but most groups are quick to tell you that the real ministry takes place week after week in churches at sunday night sings, homecomings, revivals and the old-fashioned "singing and dinner on the ground." It's not about the glamour of events like NQC. It's about going wherever God calls them to share the Gospel in song.
Zephaniah 3:17 reminds the weary singer, "The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
He sings for us. Wow. What a privilege it is to sing for Him.
So, if you're on the highway next September, headed toward Louisville, Ky., and you see a caravan of buses, you'll know it's not just another concert somewhere. It's time again for the National Quartet Convention — the granddaddy of them all.

Jeannie McPhail is a member of the Morganton Writers Group, the NC Storytelling Guild, SCBWI, and the Macs, one of those Southern Gospel groups still dreaming about being on the "big stage" at NQC. You may contact her at jeannie@themacsmusic.com.