The Columbia Gospel Choir was founded in the fall of 2024 to promote “joy and light on campus,” said choir president and Columbia College sophomore Joseph Akinyoyenu. The group has no religious affiliation and accepts members from across campus, undergraduates to graduate students. “We are here to uplift Black voices, both within our choir and throughout the broader music world.”
The Club’s Mission
The Columbia Gospel Choir is a group dedicated to the performance and celebration of African-American music and tradition. The goal of the group is to create an all-inclusive space that gives Columbia students the opportunity to share their musical gifts, spread positivity, and uplift traditional gospel music and its modern offshoots.
“Our vibe is playful and lighthearted,” said Akinyoyenu. “We sing a lot of music that was written and produced by Black artists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Bill Withers, Kirk Franklin, and Richard Smallwood. In addition to gospel, we sing a lot of R&B and soul, songs that are upbeat, loud, and powerful. For a singer, gospel choir is the perfect place to explore music.”
Members and Auditions
Auditions are held at the start of every semester. There are now about 30 members.
Rehearsals and Performances
The club rehearses three times a week in various spaces around campus. The next performance is on February 16, when the choir will be featured as a part of Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which will take place from 5 to 7 pm in Pulitzer Hall.
“We make an effort to perform at as many events as we can,” said Akinyoyenu. “We want to connect with the Columbia community, as well as the broader one around campus. We’ve done events with churches in Harlem.”
For more information about Columbia Gospel Choir, contact them via Instagram (@columbiagospelchoir) or email ([email protected]), or check out their website.