Page 36 - N.C. A&T Magazine Spring 2019

By Jordan M. Howse Fellowship Gospel Choir
to Commemorate its 50th anniversary, the
In 1969, North Carolina A&T was in need of a little spirit. choir recorded Many of its original songs in
The country was battling a war abroad and a civil rights Corbett sports Center. the reCordings are
movement at home, so the time was right to start the available on most streaming serviCes.
Fellowship Gospel Choir.

The choir was conceived as an avenue through which N.C.
A&T students could maintain continuity with the black
religious experience.

Ron Jones ’87, current director and alumnus of the gospel
choir, said it was a natural progression for him to join
when he arrived at A&T.

“So many of us grew up in the church,” Jones said.
“So, the choir started as a way for students to express
themselves from a spiritual standpoint.”

Jones sang in the choir for three years and played piano Fellowship Gospel Choir, 1989
at his own commencement. He came back as director two
years after he graduated. In 2004, Jones started a scholarship fund to assist
members of the choir when they are at financial risk of
From its inception, the Fellowship Gospel Choir has leaving the university.
sought to be a witness to the truth of God. As such, the
choir has added dimension to the campus and the local “I see how these students struggle to get here and to stay
community. here,” he said. “Retention gets more difficult each year.”

The award-winning choir would not be able to make that The Fellowship Gospel Choir travels to participate
claim without gifted directors to impart the knowledge in workshops and festivals. Some of its notable
and skills necessary to make it so. performances include the Annual Black College Gospel
Workshop in Atlanta, the Annual Collegiate Gospel Choir
Yvonne Haygood-Smith was the choir’s first director, Festival in New York City and the Carolina Gospel Fest in
1969–1982, and under her direction, the choir became a Raleigh, North Carolina.
nationally known college gospel choir. Jimmy Thomas
succeeded Smith in 1983 and continued the legacy that The choir has consistently won awards and competitions
had been established. During the years he served, two for outstanding soloists, choreography and original songs.
albums were recorded: “Leaning on Jesus” (1985) and
sPiriTual “God is my Refuge” (1986). To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the choir recorded
many of its original songs in Corbett Sports Center. The
Jones, whose tenure as director began in 1989 after
recordings are available on most streaming services.
Thomas’s resignation, has led the choir to greater
prominence in the gospel music industry as well as the “Music is universal, and it never dies,” Jones said. “The
exPression recorded three albums: “Give Him Praise” (1991), “Jesus is our alumni from across the country for this, too. It was the
national college arena. Under his direction, the choir
choir rehearsed all semester and we brought in some of
Real” (1997) and “Be a Witness” (2007).
perfect way to commemorate our anniversary.”
In his 30 years as director, he’s seen a lot of change while Senior Ariel Gunn, the current president and student director,
holding on to the traditions of the founding members. has spent her entire college career in the gospel choir.
Fellowship Gospel Choir celebrates 50 years
“The groundwork was laid by the time I took over,” Jones “It was a monumental experience to be a part of the 50th
said. “What I’ve seen over time, though, is the gospel anniversary celebration as a student,” Gunn said. “The
choir has become a vital part of the university community. choir impacted my life not just on an inspirational level
There’s not much that happens on campus that we aren’t but my faith and family as well. It’s so pivotal for me to be
invited to and that didn’t happen so much 30 years ago.” a part of what GC’s become and where it’s going.”

34 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 35