The VSUAA-Greater Triangle Alumni Chapter (NC) is proud to present the renowned Virginia State University Gospel Chorale in concert on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in concert at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 3.30 p.m.
The Mistress of Ceremony will be Ms. Phyllis Coley CEO/ Publisher of Spectacular Magazine and Former Host/ Producer of Spectacular Magazine Radio Show, both of Durham, North Carolina. Various acts will open the concert: The South Warren Elementary School Visual & Performing Arts Group from Warrenton, NC under the direction of Mr. Cameron Eaton and Mrs. Morgan Perry; Mr. Joezell Charles, a saxophonist, who is Band Director at Eaton-Johnson Middle School, Henderson, NC; Mrs. Sandra Gibson,Mrs. Black NC 2011/ Smooth Jazz-R&B Vocalist, Apex, NC.
Among The Virginia State University Chorale’s numerous accolades and accomplishments are the following: 2016 National College Choir Competition Winner; 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards- Best Church Choir; 2013 America’s Got Talent- Season 8 Quarter Finals; 2012 Verizon’s “ How Sweet the Sound”-DC Regional People’s Choice Award Winner.
Advance tickets for the event are $10 each, online tickets are $10 each with nominal processing fee ( https://vsugospel.bpt.me ), and at door tickets are $15 each. For more information and/or advance tickets, please contact the following: Henderson area- DeAnna Lewis at dlewis@warrenk12nc.org, Dennis M. Snead at 1906rbl@gmail.com, Cicily Marsh at missceecee@gmail.com, Taylor Whitehead at mrknowitall91@aol.com ; Raleigh area- Anita Jackson at Tlcanj@gmail.com, Orlando Conner at ozat@bellsouth.net ; Durham area- Faye Watkins at fayewatkins75@gmail.com, Vivian Lewis at vivianlewis30@hotmail.com .
Chartered in 2016 as the 46th chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA), Greater Triangle Area Chapter (NC) Inc., is actively working to support students who live in our area and aspire to attend our Alma Mater.
The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale History, Achievements, and Highlights
Founded in 1971 by Ms. Jackie Ruffin (formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers) and Mr. Larry Bland as the Larry Bland Gospel Ensemble. The name was later changed to the Virginia State College Gospel Choir.
Recorded its first album, “Everyday with Jesus,” in 1977. After the success of this album, the choir then recorded a second album, “He’s Able,” in 1978. The choir recorded its third CD, “Virginia State University Gospel Chorale: Live in Concert,” in 2003.
Has participated off-and-on in a number of competitions. The most notable competition was the National Black Music Caucus Gospel Competition in New York City, where the choir won first place in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1996, and 2003, and second place in 1985 and 2006.
Has toured nationally in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, and Washington, DC. Has toured internationally (most recently in 2013 and 2015) in U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Europe (Italy, Hungary, France, Switzerland, and Romania), performing each time at the annual Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert.
Has performed on the same stage as gospel-recording artists Cheryl “CoCo” Clemons of R&B group SWV, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Earnest Pugh, Hezekiah Walker, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and poet Nikki Giovanni.
Made history in September 2012 by competing in How Sweet the Sound, a Verizon experience. Out of the thousands of video entries submitted, the choir was one forty-two choirs, and only one of four college choirs, to compete in the regional competitions around the country. Although the choir did not advance to the grand finale, it would go on to win the 2012 DC Region’s People Choice Award and garner local, regional, and national acclaim.
Made history again in January 2013 by being selected to perform at the DC Citywide Interfaith Food Drive, which was part of President Obama’s National Day of Service. This was part of the official Presidential Inauguration Activities.
In probably their biggest accomplishment to date, was a quarterfinalist is season 8 (2013) of “America’s Got Talent.” This not only garnered national and international exposure for the Chorale, but for the University as well.
Performed at the historic Virginia gubernatorial inauguration of Terence “Terry” McAuliffe in January 2014.
In February 2014, travelled to Bridgetown, Barbados by special invitation to perform as special guest at their Black History month festivities.
Winner of the 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards’ Best Church Choir.
Winner of the 2016 National College Choir Explosion.
The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word “choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Additionally, the Chorale is included in two music appreciation textbooks in the gospel music sections.
The choir is currently blessed to have approximately 100 choir members and five musicians – a colorful mix of races, nationalities, and geographical backgrounds. The Chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr. (Faculty Advisor), Perry Evans II (Director), Mr. Michael Rainey (Business Manager), and Mr. Mark Johnson (Musical Director).
