University Gospel Chorus
Course Number: Music 143
D. Mark Wilson, director
Rehearsals: Thursday, 6-9pm, 125 Morrison Hall
Description/History
The University Gospel Chorus at the University of California, Berkeley started in the nineteen seventies as an informal activity of students who were interested, and in some cases, experienced in the tradition of gospel music performance. The Gospel Chorus subsequently became an ensemble of the Choral Music Division of Student Musical Activities (Associated Students of the University of California). During the nineteen-eighties, Silvester Henderson, a professional gospel music conductor and pianist, was appointed the Director of the Chorus, and the organization developed into an excellent ensemble musically. Concerts began expanding beyond the campus in the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of the state. In 1996-97, the Gospel Chorus became an ensemble of the Department of Music as a part of its curriculum in music performance.
Since 2007 D. Mark Wilson has taken the Gospel Chorus in new directions, building a repertoire which includes traditional and contemporary gospel music, spirituals and classically influenced gospel anthems, as well as performances at local social justice events.
Auditions/Participation
The Gospel Chorus is open to all students and community members, by audition only, as well as those students taking it for credit.Auditions take place in the week before classes begin each semester.
Audition information for all performance opportunities in the Music Department.
Sound Clips
From February 24,2008 concert in Hertz Hall
Upcoming Performances
- Wednesday, March 6, 12:15pm, Hertz Hall
“The Hills Are Alive With the Sounds of Gospel”
African American spiritual and Gospel tradition celebrates nature’s awakening, anticipating spring. - Saturday, April 28, 3pm, Hertz Hall
“The Old Time Gospel Radio Hour”
Commemorating Gospel radio choirs, Gospel musicians and special guest Gospel deejays who popularized Gospel Music through the use of media and religious public broadcast networks.
For more information, see our events calendar.