History of the Gospel Choir
Calvin College Gospel Choir is an ensemble of more than 100 vocalists drawn from diverse academic programs. Along with participating in events on campus, the Gospel Choir travels off campus each semester and has participated in community events such as “Gospel Night at the Symphony” as well as enriching church worship services.
Gospel choir had its beginnings in the 1980’s 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.
In 2003 the Gospel Choir toured in Ghana, working closely with the University of Ghana while there. The Gospel Choir was featured in the Spring 2004 issue of The Light Walk Christian Magazine in an article highlighting college gospel choirs.
The Gospel Choir has been under the direction of Calvin Professor Dr. Charsie Sawyer since 1996, and endeavors to present the glory and word of God through traditional spirituals, African music, and contemporary gospel music.
