In 1971, Jackie Ruffin, presently a member of the Richard Smallwood Singers, had a vision that resulted in the formation of the Virginia State College Gospel Ensemble, first directed by Larry Bland. Mr. B. Dexter Allgood became director of the Ensemble in 1975. With Ms. Cora L. Harvey as its director in 1977, the Ensemble recorded its first album, Everyday with Jesus. After Allgood returned as director in 1978, the choir recorded its second album. “He’s Able,†and toured extensively.In its first two decades, the choir won many awards and honors. In 1979 and 1980, respectively, it won first place and third place at the Festival of College Gospel Choirs at Columbia University. Under co-directors Myequael Theirry and Horace Simms, the choir won first place in a competition sponsored by the National Black Music Caucus in New York City. The choir, directed by Theirry and Robert Hairston, repeated its success at this competition in 1985. With Hairston returning as its director, the choir placed second in this same competition in 1987. Under Miss Suzie Wright, who became director of choir in the summer of 1987, the choir not only won second place again, but also received a rating of “Outstanding†at the National Black College Choir Workshop held in Atlanta in the fall 1988.The decade of the 1990’s began with Mr. Robert Fryson as the director of the Virginia State University Chorale. In the fall of 1992, Mr. James Holden, Jr. volunteered to take on the responsibilities of director and faculty advisor. He was assisted by Miss Sherlita Fox, student director and Mark Johnson, accompanist. Since that time, the Chorale toured for in the U.S. Virgin Islands, performing concerts at public schools, churches and retirement homes. In the spring of 1996, the Chorale won first prize in the 19th annual National Black Music Caucus Gospel Choir Competition. The Chorale also won honors for outstanding attire, director (Sherlita Fox), soprano soloist (Kisha Holmes) and male soloist (Craig Robertson). This time, other awards, were received for processional/recessional, choral attire, alto soloist (Sherelle Robinson), percussionist (Dana Woodley), and accompanist section (Mark Johnson, Robert Bowman, Ernest Powell, Michael Hawkins, Dana Woodley and James Holden, Jr.).From December 1997 to January 1998, sponsored by Propaganda Musicale of Rome, Italy and Arts Uptown, Inc. of New York the Chorale performed in North and South Italy, from Rome to Palermo and Sicily. The highlight of the tour was a performance for the Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert, along with blues legend B.B. King and a host of international artists. This performance led to an invitation to return for the 1998 concert.As a member of the Chorale Mr. LaTroy Brinkley and Green Chaney served as Co-Directors during the spring of 1999-2000.-2-In the spring of 2000, Mechelle Luster became student director. The Chorale has since returned to the (2003) National Black Music Caucus Gospel Choir Competition, this year capturing first place in 10 of 13 collegiate-division categories! Awards were received for most outstanding processional/recessional, most outstanding choral attire, most outstanding choreography, most outstanding soprano, soloist (Sheena King), alto soloist (E’boni Lomax), and tenor soloist (Bernard Walker), most outstanding conductor (Mechelle Luster), keyboardist (Darryl Woodson), and coordinated dance ensemble (Tracee Robinson, Katrina Alford, Thmaine Morgan, Angenia Toodle, LaChelle Lyons, and Lakeshia Smith). The spring of 2004, the VSUGC returned to participate in the National Black Music Caucus Gospel Choir competition. The group captured third place in 7 of 13 collegiate-division categories. Awards were received for most outstanding processional/recessional, most outstanding choreography, most outstanding alto soloist (E’boni Lomax), keyboardist (Darryl Woodson), percussionist (Charles Wiley), original composition (Phillip Leverette) and most outstanding musical ensemble.From December 2004 to January 2005, sponsored by Propaganda Musicale of Rome, Italy and Arts Uptown, Inc. of New York the Chorale performed in North and South Italy, from Rome to Naples, Sardinia and Sicily. The highlight of the tour was a performance for the Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert, performing with Jazz artist Dee Dee Bridgewater and a host of international artists. This performance led to an invitation to return for the 2005-2006 newly elected Pope Benedict XVI Vatican Christmas Concert, performing with Rhythm and Blues artist Solomon Burke.The VSU Gospel Chorale, presently with 105 musicians, continues with its mission to provide music for the University and surrounding communities. The Chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden, Jr. Director/Advisor, Miss Mechelle Luster, Directress, Miss Nicole Jackson, Assistant Directress, Mark Johnson, Musical Director and Cary Goodman Road ManagerFor booking, fees, and all other information, email VSUGC at
[email protected] or call 804-524-5120 or 804-524-5522.
