The Michigan State University Gospel Choir’s

History

The Michigan State University Gospel Choir was originally founded as the Black Orpheus in 1971. Three MSU students by the name of Wanda Lindsey, Misque Assata, and Amy Boyce received the vision of a gospel choir while harmonizing one day in the hallway. Immediately they began to recruit choir members. In the fall term of 1971 the first rehearsal for the Black Orpheus was held

In November of 1978 the choir recorded their first album titled “And my with my song I will praise him” This helped initiate the choirs traveling ministry. IN the fall of 1987, the Black Orpheus was transformed into the Michigan State University Gospel Chorale. The reasoning behind this change was to make the name more inclusive for all people.

In the present the Michigan State University Gospel Chorale is still a non-profit ministry. The choir travels across the state and throughout campus praising the name of Jesus in song and witnessing to His people. The ministry promotes true relationship, not religion, with the Lord. The chorale had approximately 60 members until the year 2003 when it reached a total 115 members. Under the leadership of William Hightower, President, and Ashley Adam

s, Vice President, the name changed from chorale to choir to give a more accurate view of the size of the choir.

The choir promotes excellence in everything we do. For this reason we provide spiritual and social support. Our members are from many different denominational backgrounds. It is a blessing when we all come together to minister to souls. The choir has expanded to several auxiliaries within the choir itself. With an anointed praise and worship team, Mime Dance Ministry and Hype for Christ, which incorporates Hip Hop Gospel and urban dance.

We understand that in order to unite this society where hate and prejudice reigns we must first unite ourselves. We make many successful attempts to help the community. In the past we have donated to area missions and benefit projects, we have put on concerts, and services where all are welcomed to experience a new level in God, as well as minister to several churches throughout Michigan. We are not an entertaining choir but a choir with a purpose and a goal of ministry. Our purpose simply states that we are Ministers of God, with our lives conformed, to the will of God, destroying yokes and removing burdens, by the anointing of God, transforming hearts and minds through the Word of God, not wavering in our goal to win a lost soul ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD!!