Calvin's Gospel Choir is an ensemble of more than 100 vocalists drawn from diverse academic programs. Along with participating in events on campus, Gospel Choir travels off campus each semester and has participated in community events such as 鈥淕ospel Night at the Symphony鈥 as well as enriching church worship services.
Gospel Choir had its beginnings in the 1980s as a student-lead organization under the direction of Scott Davis. Later directors included Debra Perry and Dorcas Jones. The choir sometimes exceeded 150 students, who rehearsed once or twice a week and were required to attend services at churches with gospel choirs at least twice a semester (and turn in church bulletins to prove attendance). The choir toured during interim, held a concert each semester, annually hosted the inter-collegiate Gospelfest, and sang at five or more churches each semester.
Dr. Charsie Sawyer directed the Gospel Choir from 1996 to 2016. Under her leadership, the Gospel Choir toured in Ghana in 2003, working closely with the University of Ghana while there. The Gospel Choir was featured in the spring 2004 issue of听The Light Walk Christian Magazine听in an article highlighting college gospel choirs. In 2013, Gospel Choir traveled to Guatemala.
Professor Nate Glasper, Jr. directs the Gospel Choir and endeavors to present the glory and word of God through traditional spirituals, African music, and contemporary gospel music.
