MUSC Gospel Choir attracts local attention
After only a couple of rehearsals and several performances, the MUSC Gospel Choir raised their voices and the attention of music lovers around the Charleston area.
Members
of the MUSC Gospel Choir.
Organized in January, the MUSC Gospel Choir made their singing debut at a performance admired by participants at the university’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program held in the Basic Science Auditorium, Jan. 13. Less than a week later, the choir sang at the Black History Intercollegiate Consortium’s Dr. Martin Luther King Program held Jan. 18 at The Citadel.
The group’s origins were guided by MUSC’s Office of Diversity, first as a student activity that quickly blossomed into a campuswide effort. The group recruited volunteers and talent from the MUSC community and formed a chorale focusing on the love and tradition of sacred music combined with an expression of the African-American culture.
The choir is composed of a collection of 20 students and employees. They are: Karen Roberts, CON; Kellie Sims, Biometry/Epidemiology; Kenya Fernanders, CHP; Christine Walters, Biometry/Epidemiology; Gabrielle Ferguson-Cannick, CGS; LaFaith C. Miller, CDM; Robyn Brewer, COM; Corey Wright, COM; Katrina Herring, COM; Octavius Coleman, COM; Tiffany Stoddard, COM; Brice Williams, CGS; Douglas Gleaton, COM; Jarrett Walsh, CGS; Willietta Gibson, CGS; Jackie Smith, COM; O’Stacia Schaffer, Pharmacy; Terri Alston, CDM; Shana Smalls, CON alumnus, Lisa E. Green, CON; Keisha S. Greene, Pharmacy and Jennifer Simmons, Pathology Medicine.
The group is directed by Rev. Charles Ryan, pastor and minister of music, House of God Church in Yemassee. Ryan has more than a dozen years of gospel choral experience.
"I've been impressed with the level of talent these individuals bring to the choir," said Ryan. “Not only do many of our members love and enjoy gospel music, but they also possess a willingness, desire and commitment that's supportive to our efforts.”
Pathology Medicine’s Jennifer Simmons first learned about the choir reading an announcement calling for singers in broadcast messages. A former member of Stratford High School Singers and Concert Chorus, Simmons loves music and yearned for the musical structure a choir provides.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Simmons said. “It’s a great opportunity to combine music and new fellowship. I encourage anyone who loves singing and has the time to take advantage of this great opportunity.”
Just recently, the group met and elected officers. The choir conducts a business meeting monthly and meets for rehearsals regularly.
During February, the choir will be busy participating in several free Lowcountry performances celebrating February as Black History Month:
- MUSC’s Black History Month Tribute, Noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 22, Baruch Auditorium. The event is sponsored by the MUSC Multicultural Student Advisory Board.
- McClennan-Banks Commemorative Program, 3 - 6 p.m., Feb. 27, Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church, 134 Cannon Street.
- A Gospel Concert featuring the MUSC Gospel Choir and Charleston jazz singer, Quiana Parler, noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 28, St. Luke’s Chapel.
MUSC Gospel Choir officers
Rev. Charles Ryan, director; Gabrieele Ferguson-Cannick, president;
Robyn Brewer, vice president; LaFaith Miller and Terri Alston, secretary/treasurers.
Friday, Feb. 11, 2005
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