Gospel Choir

Gospel Choir is not just a choir—it’s a worship experience.

Gospel Choir offers musically versatile and talented individuals the opportunity to sing in a variety of styles, including spirituals, African music, anthems, jazz, as well as traditional and contemporary gospel music. Gospel Choir also engages in frequent run-out concerts and performance tours. Membership is open to all Calvin students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Rehearsal information: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30-6:30pm

Conductor

Nate Glasper

Adjunct Faculty
(Gospel Choir)

Full profile

• (616) 526-6044
• nathaniel.glasper@calvin.edu
• Music
• Covenant Fine Arts Center 179 | Map

Explore Gospel choir

• History

  Calvin's Gospel Choir is an ensemble of more than 100 vocalists drawn from diverse academic programs. Along with participating in events on campus, 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 1980s 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.

  Dr. Charsie Sawyer directed the Gospel Choir from 1996 to 2016. Under her leadership, the Gospel Choir toured in Ghana in 2003, 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. In 2013, Gospel Choir traveled to Guatemala.

  Professor Nate Glasper, Jr. directs the Gospel Choir and endeavors to present the glory and word of God through traditional spirituals, African music, and contemporary gospel music.

• Auditions

  Those interested in joining Gospel Choir should contact Prof. Nate Glasper (nathaniel.glasper@calvin.edu) to schedule a meeting time. Singers should prepare a gospel song, spiritual, or hymn, though a pop or jazz song is also acceptable to demonstrate the quality of your voice. You may sing a cappella or with your own sheet music—accompaniment will be provided. However, if you prefer to sing with an accompaniment track, you may do that also. Instrumentalists (for accompanying praise band) will be given music and/or a recording prior to your audition.  

• Tours

  Please visit our Ensemble Tours webpage for upcoming ensemble tours.