By Megan Johnson and Rachel Lamb

Freedom Hall was filled with 15,000 screaming teenagers this past Friday. There could be numerous reasons for why they were so excited. However, there is only one reason for why they were there: Winter Jam 2014.

Winter Jam is a Christian concert featuring 10 bands such as Plum, The Newsboys, 10th Avenue North, Thousand Foot Krutch, Colton Dixon, Lecrae, etc. These 10 bands travel all across the U.S. within the month of January in an effort to spread God’s word with a $10 admission at the door.

Many students, such as senior Timon Stermer, have been attending this Christian concert for many years.

“I have been to Winter Jam every year for the past six years,” said Stermer.

He also shared on why he has been coming back to enjoy said experience.

“It’s a chance to discover new artists while getting to hear some of my favorite bands live.”

Some students come to see their favorite artist live and in person.

“Lecrae brought so much energy to the show, which made it a fun experience,” said junior Bradley Montgomery.

Sophomore Christine Scharrer  has a different perspective on the event.  She believes Winter Jam is a fun way to mix worship and music.

“It’s lighthearted and fun and it makes you feel closer to God. And it’s not just the normal contemporary Christian bands with songs that are good but you’ve heard a million times. There are contemporary, rap, rock, heavy metal. And they are all great.”

Scharrer said it can even bring non-Christian teens to enjoy worship.

“Even if you aren’t a Christian it’s great because you’re not smothered about becoming a Christian. It’s more based around being charitable and doing for others.”

“I would recommend this concert to anyone, because there is no better way to praise God than through music,” said freshman Chandler Lewis .