HISTORY OF THE VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHORALE
Jackie Ruffin (formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers) and Larry Bland had a vision in 1971 that resulted in the formation of the “Larry Bland Gospel Ensemble”. In a short time period, the name was changed to “Virginia State College Gospel Ensemble.” Since its start the ensemble has been large in number. In the 1970's Mr. B Dexter Allgood and Ms. Cora Harvey directed the ensemble with approxima...tely 75 members. In 1977, the Ensemble recorded its very first album entitled, "Everyday with Jesus." After the success of this album, the ensemble then recorded a second album in 1978 entitled, "He's Able." In 1979 and 1980, respectively the choir 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 at a competition sponsored by the National Black Music Caucus in New York City. The choir directed by Theirry and Robert Hairston repeated this first place success in 1985. In 1987, the choir placed second in this same competition. The name of the choir was changed to Virginia State University Gospel Choir. In the summer of 1987, Evangelist Suzie Wright became the director of the choir. Under her leadership, the chorale won first place again at the National Black Music Caucus Choir competition as well as received a rating of “Outstanding” at the National Black College Choir Workshop held in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 1988. The early 1990's began with Mr. Robert Hairston as its director. In the fall of 1992, Mr. James Holden Jr. took on the responsibilities as director and faculty advisor. Ms. Sherlita Fox and Mr. Mark Johnson assisted him as the student director and accompanist, respectively. The chorale toured the U.S. Virgin Islands, ministering at many schools, churches, and retirement homes. In the spring of 1996, the chorale won first place in the National Black Music Caucus Choir Competition. The chorale won honors for Outstanding Attire, Director (Sherlita Fox), Soprano soloist (Kisha Holmes) and Male Tenor soloists (Craig Robertson). Awards were awarded for Best Processional and Recessional, Chorale 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 the chorale traveled Northern and Southern Italy from Rome to Sicily, sponsored by Propaganda Musicale of Rome, Italy and Arts Uptown, Inc. of New York. Under the direction of Ms. Fox, the chorale initiated what has become a VSUGC theme song entitled, “Walk in Jerusalem.” With intense choreography and amazing harmony, this song has become a favorite to many around the world. Mr. LaTroy Brinkley served as assistant director of the chorale in 1998. In the fall of 1999, he then became the director of the chorale. Under his leadership the chorale toured Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey. In the year 2000, Ms. Mechelle Luster became the chorale's seventh director with Ms. Nicole Jackson serving as assistant student director. Under her leadership, the chorale became more family oriented, grew more is size and continued to minister the word of God. In the spring of 2003, the chorale won first place at the Black Music Caucus Choir Competition in New York. They won in 11 out of 13 choir categories. Awards were received for Most Outstanding choir, Most Outstanding Processional and Recessional, Most Outstanding Chorale Attire, Most Outstanding Choreography, Most Outstanding Soprano soloist (Sheena King), Alto soloist (E’boni Lomax), Tenor soloist (Bernard Walker), Most Outstanding Student Director (Mechelle Luster), Most Outstanding Keyboardists (Darryl Woodson), Percussionist (Charles Wiley) and Coordinated Dance Ensemble (Tracee Robinson, Katrina Alford, Thmaine Morgan, Angenia Toodle, LaChelle Lyons, and Lakeshia Smith). In 2003 the chorale recorded their third CD “Virginia State University Gospel Chorale: Live in Concert.” In 2004, the chorale returned to New York and captured third place in the same competition, although capturing first place in more than half of the categories. Honors were awarded for Most Outstanding Processional and Recessional, Most Outstanding Choreography, Most Outstanding Alto Soloists (E’boni Lomax), Keyboardist (Darryl Woodson), Percussionist (Charles Wiley), Original Composition (Phillip Leverette), and Most Outstanding Musical Ensemble. In December 2004 to January 2005, the Chorale toured Italy once again. The highlight of this tour was to perform for the Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert with other International artists. In 2006, the chorale took the first place trophy at the Gospel Heritage College Gospel Choir Competition. In March of 2006, the chorale traveled back to New York to the Black Music Caucus Choir Competition and took home the second place trophy. The chorale was honored to sing for the world famous Poet and Essayist Nikki Giovanni. In the fall of 2006, the chorale was blessed to share the stage with National Gospel recording artists Coko, of R&B group “SWV” on the campus of Virginia State University. In the spring of 2007, the chorale toured the Mid-Western United States ministering and spreading God’s message through song. From December 2007 until January 2008, the chorale once again traveled to Italy, Hungary, and France ministering and singing praises to God. At the end of the 2007 year, Ms. Mechelle Luster ended her tenure as director of the chorale. Mr. Perry Evans II became the director of the chorale. Under his leadership the chorale has traveled near and far continuing to minister and sing God’s word. In the spring of 2008, the chorale traveled to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. The highlight of the tour was traveling to Toronto, Canada and ministering on the stage of York University. The fall of 2008 brought a massive growth to the chorale. With 85 choir members, the chorale continued to travel throughout Virginia and surrounding states. They were honored to travel to Knoxville Tennessee in early October 2008 for the University of Tennessee’s Multicultural Symposium for Music. In late October 2008, they shared the stage with National Gospel Recording Artist, Mary Mary at Virginia State University. In the spring of 2009, the chorale traveled to North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on their spring break tour. The fall of 2009, the choir was blessed to grow in size once again. In October 2009, the chorale was honored to share the stage with Tye Tribbett on the campus of Virginia State University. In the Spring of 2010, VSUGC was blessed to reach the masses on their Annual Spring Break Tour. With concerts in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, VSUGC strived for excellence in every way. The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word, “Choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. The chorale is currently blessed to have 130 choir members, 9 musicians, and an Executive Board. The chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr., (Faculty Advisor) Perry Evans II, (Director) and Mark Johnson (Music Director). With many awards, accolades, and recognitions the chorale still ministers under the Holy Spirit and continues to reach the masses through God’s word.
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on their spring break tour. The fall of 2009, the choir was blessed to grow in size once again. In October 2009, the chorale was honored to share the stage with Tye Tribbett on the campus of Virginia State University. In the Spring of 2010, VSUGC was blessed to reach the masses on their Annual Spring Break Tour. With concerts in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, VSUGC strived for excellence in every way. The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word, “Choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. The chorale is currently blessed to have 130 choir members, 9 musicians, and an Executive Board. The chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr., (Faculty Advisor) Perry Evans II, (Director) and Mark Johnson (Music Director). With many awards, accolades, and recognitions the chorale still ministers under the Holy Spirit and continues to reach the masses through God’s word.
Jackie Ruffin (formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers) and Larry Bland had a vision in 1971 that resulted in the formation of the “Larry Bland Gospel Ensemble”. In a short time period, the name was changed to “Virginia State College Gospel Ensemble.” Since its start the ensemble has been large in number. In the 1970's Mr. B Dexter Allgood and Ms. Cora Harvey directed the ensemble with approxima...tely 75 members. In 1977, the Ensemble recorded its very first album entitled, "Everyday with Jesus." After the success of this album, the ensemble then recorded a second album in 1978 entitled, "He's Able." In 1979 and 1980, respectively the choir 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 at a competition sponsored by the National Black Music Caucus in New York City. The choir directed by Theirry and Robert Hairston repeated this first place success in 1985. In 1987, the choir placed second in this same competition. The name of the choir was changed to Virginia State University Gospel Choir. In the summer of 1987, Evangelist Suzie Wright became the director of the choir. Under her leadership, the chorale won first place again at the National Black Music Caucus Choir competition as well as received a rating of “Outstanding” at the National Black College Choir Workshop held in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 1988. The early 1990's began with Mr. Robert Hairston as its director. In the fall of 1992, Mr. James Holden Jr. took on the responsibilities as director and faculty advisor. Ms. Sherlita Fox and Mr. Mark Johnson assisted him as the student director and accompanist, respectively. The chorale toured the U.S. Virgin Islands, ministering at many schools, churches, and retirement homes. In the spring of 1996, the chorale won first place in the National Black Music Caucus Choir Competition. The chorale won honors for Outstanding Attire, Director (Sherlita Fox), Soprano soloist (Kisha Holmes) and Male Tenor soloists (Craig Robertson). Awards were awarded for Best Processional and Recessional, Chorale 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 the chorale traveled Northern and Southern Italy from Rome to Sicily, sponsored by Propaganda Musicale of Rome, Italy and Arts Uptown, Inc. of New York. Under the direction of Ms. Fox, the chorale initiated what has become a VSUGC theme song entitled, “Walk in Jerusalem.” With intense choreography and amazing harmony, this song has become a favorite to many around the world. Mr. LaTroy Brinkley served as assistant director of the chorale in 1998. In the fall of 1999, he then became the director of the chorale. Under his leadership the chorale toured Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey. In the year 2000, Ms. Mechelle Luster became the chorale's seventh director with Ms. Nicole Jackson serving as assistant student director. Under her leadership, the chorale became more family oriented, grew more is size and continued to minister the word of God. In the spring of 2003, the chorale won first place at the Black Music Caucus Choir Competition in New York. They won in 11 out of 13 choir categories. Awards were received for Most Outstanding choir, Most Outstanding Processional and Recessional, Most Outstanding Chorale Attire, Most Outstanding Choreography, Most Outstanding Soprano soloist (Sheena King), Alto soloist (E’boni Lomax), Tenor soloist (Bernard Walker), Most Outstanding Student Director (Mechelle Luster), Most Outstanding Keyboardists (Darryl Woodson), Percussionist (Charles Wiley) and Coordinated Dance Ensemble (Tracee Robinson, Katrina Alford, Thmaine Morgan, Angenia Toodle, LaChelle Lyons, and Lakeshia Smith). In 2003 the chorale recorded their third CD “Virginia State University Gospel Chorale: Live in Concert.” In 2004, the chorale returned to New York and captured third place in the same competition, although capturing first place in more than half of the categories. Honors were awarded for Most Outstanding Processional and Recessional, Most Outstanding Choreography, Most Outstanding Alto Soloists (E’boni Lomax), Keyboardist (Darryl Woodson), Percussionist (Charles Wiley), Original Composition (Phillip Leverette), and Most Outstanding Musical Ensemble. In December 2004 to January 2005, the Chorale toured Italy once again. The highlight of this tour was to perform for the Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert with other International artists. In 2006, the chorale took the first place trophy at the Gospel Heritage College Gospel Choir Competition. In March of 2006, the chorale traveled back to New York to the Black Music Caucus Choir Competition and took home the second place trophy. The chorale was honored to sing for the world famous Poet and Essayist Nikki Giovanni. In the fall of 2006, the chorale was blessed to share the stage with National Gospel recording artists Coko, of R&B group “SWV” on the campus of Virginia State University. In the spring of 2007, the chorale toured the Mid-Western United States ministering and spreading God’s message through song. From December 2007 until January 2008, the chorale once again traveled to Italy, Hungary, and France ministering and singing praises to God. At the end of the 2007 year, Ms. Mechelle Luster ended her tenure as director of the chorale. Mr. Perry Evans II became the director of the chorale. Under his leadership the chorale has traveled near and far continuing to minister and sing God’s word. In the spring of 2008, the chorale traveled to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. The highlight of the tour was traveling to Toronto, Canada and ministering on the stage of York University. The fall of 2008 brought a massive growth to the chorale. With 85 choir members, the chorale continued to travel throughout Virginia and surrounding states. They were honored to travel to Knoxville Tennessee in early October 2008 for the University of Tennessee’s Multicultural Symposium for Music. In late October 2008, they shared the stage with National Gospel Recording Artist, Mary Mary at Virginia State University. In the spring of 2009, the chorale traveled to North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on their spring break tour. The fall of 2009, the choir was blessed to grow in size once again. In October 2009, the chorale was honored to share the stage with Tye Tribbett on the campus of Virginia State University. In the Spring of 2010, VSUGC was blessed to reach the masses on their Annual Spring Break Tour. With concerts in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, VSUGC strived for excellence in every way. The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word, “Choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. The chorale is currently blessed to have 130 choir members, 9 musicians, and an Executive Board. The chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr., (Faculty Advisor) Perry Evans II, (Director) and Mark Johnson (Music Director). With many awards, accolades, and recognitions the chorale still ministers under the Holy Spirit and continues to reach the masses through God’s word.
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on their spring break tour. The fall of 2009, the choir was blessed to grow in size once again. In October 2009, the chorale was honored to share the stage with Tye Tribbett on the campus of Virginia State University. In the Spring of 2010, VSUGC was blessed to reach the masses on their Annual Spring Break Tour. With concerts in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, VSUGC strived for excellence in every way. The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word, “Choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. The chorale is currently blessed to have 130 choir members, 9 musicians, and an Executive Board. The chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr., (Faculty Advisor) Perry Evans II, (Director) and Mark Johnson (Music Director). With many awards, accolades, and recognitions the chorale still ministers under the Holy Spirit and continues to reach the masses through God’s word.
OPEN HEART MESSAGE FROM LARRY BLAND
Greetings & Blessings To Director Perry Evans, James Holden, Michael Rainey and the entire body and organization of The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale!
First, let me thank God for you and the incredible experience you provided last evening at The Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. as a part of the Verizon "How Sweet The Sound Competition. Without question, I want you to know that all of you blessed and touched me in a way that I will never, ever forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
It would be utterly disingenuous of me to not acknowledge how disappointed I was that you did not achieve the ultimate prize. All of us who cheered you on prayed and hoped that you would win. However, as was reflected in your being honored with "The Peoples' Choice Award," you were viewed as the "Best" by the thousands of people who attended last night's event.
The entire program was absolutely awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every group that graced the stage. Nonetheless, it is extremely important that you know that I only had eyes for you. You exceeded the embodiment of my vision. You transcended my imagination. You soared to places that were far beyond any creation I could foster. You are my dream come true! As your Founder, I have the distinct honor of being the only individual that could possibly feel this way. There are truly no words that can express my pride. You affected me to the core of my spirit. It felt like I was the only person in the auditorium looking down, as would a proud parent, on the works of my children, and their children's children. I was blessed to view the current fruits of our unique family legacy. We will always be bound together. It was divinely ordered. It is the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale lineage.
As was acknowledged by Yolanda Adams, God used you to pave the way for other College and University choirs. Just as God used me to plant a seed, I hope you fully appreciate how He has used you. Who is to say how this all will work itself out. I know I had no idea in the days of our group's infancy that last night's experience was even possible. But, it did happen and it was His Will. We are all pioneers and you most certainly opened the door and paved the way for others to now follow as I did for you. It is a privilege to win but it is a blessing to serve.
Please continue to be who you are. Please continue to excel. Please continue to keep your eyes on the prize. Please continue to be strong and, most of all, please continue to trust God.
Thank you for a job inimitably well done.
God Bless You All!
Your Founder, Larry J. Bland
VSU Alumni & Friends,
The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale's quarterfinal performance on America's Got Talent will air LIVE on Tuesday, August 20. During this show, the VSUGC will compete against 11 other contestants, and viewers can vote for their favorite act. The top four acts will be revealed on Wednesday, August 21, and the winners of all semifinal rounds will then advance to the finals and compete for a $1 million dollar prize.
Please tune in to NBC-12 and support our Chorale; for details on the voting procedure, please click VSU Chorale:
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