JCSU Choral Progam History

The Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Choir has been an essential part of the University and is one of the leading performing vocal arts groups in the city of Charlotte, N.C. Its history began in 1908 when Dr. Thomas Alexander Long, Director of Music from 1907-1934 and professor at JCSU, organized Biddle University Quintet. The Quintet first appeared at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA in 1909. After a successful performance, the Quintet was invited to sing before the Supreme Judicatory Body of the Presbyterian Church for 30 consecutive years. The Biddle University Quintet traveled extensively throughout the Carolinas performing before various audiences and distributing records throughout the United States until the popularity of ensemble singing declined in 1926. Later that year, Mr. W. S. Peyton organized the University Glee Club which soon became recognized as the University Choir. 

Mr. David Edward Carroll served as the Director of Music at JCSU from 1935-1947. He groomed the men and women at JCSU in performing recitals and concerts throughout the Carolinas. Under Mr. Carroll’s directorship, the University Glee Club and Choir performed on several radio stations in Charlotte, NC. Mr. Carroll organized The Women’s Sextet the first semester of the school year 1935-1936. They rendered their first appearance for the Vesper Service December 22, 1935.

The legacy continued with Mr. Christopher W. Kemp who served as the Director of the University Choir from 1948-1988. Mr. Kemp was known for his melodious tones, which represented the University locally and nationally. In 1964, the University Choir was selected as the official broadcasting choir for the United Presbyterian Church, USA. Mr. Kemp became an integral part of the history of JCSU by adding a unique choral effect to the musical score of the Loyalty Song used today.

Mr. Bruce A. Thompson was the Director of the University Concert Choir from 1988-2010. During this time, the choir was presented in concert several times by the UNCF in New York City, Los Angeles, California and Detroit, Michigan. Other organizations that presented the choir in concert include: the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church; the National Mine Health and Safety Academy; the National Library Association; The Links, Incorporated; the Urban League; the Association of Black Public Administrators; and the North Carolina American Choral Directors Association. In 1994, the choir was featured on “Good Morning America” in a special broadcast recorded live from the campus. Also, the choir performed with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte, the Charlotte Repertory Orchestra and the Savannah Symphony Orchestra. In addition, the Concert Choir appeared with noted artists:  Ramsey Lewis, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, Phil Perry, Moses Hogan, Lena McLin, Sandi Patti, Charles Floyd, and William Warfield.

The rich musical heritage of the JCSU Concert Choir continued to flourish under the direction of tenured Professor of Music Dr. Shawn-Allyce White—first female Director of Choral Activities and University Soloist from 2010-2024. As ambassadors for the University, the choir performed diverse repertoire for campus events including Opening Convocation, Coronation, Christmas Vespers Service, Founder’s Day, Honors Convocation, Triumph Gala, and Baccalaureate and Commencement Services. During Dr. White’s tenure, the choir created a partnership with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in 2010 and performed jointly over time. The choir also toured several years, presenting concerts throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, and performed locally, including the Charlotte, NC, presentation for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. The choir was featured in a landmark production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess during the Spoleto Festival USA and received rave reviews from around the world, including The Wall Street Journal and Opera News.  Additionally, the University and Opera Carolina established a thriving partnership, and choir members attended productions at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center every year, performing in a Rhythm & Blues opera I DREAM; with Andrea Bocelli, a production of CYRANO, Rise for Freedom; and, AIDA.

Now under the direction of Dr. Angelica Brooks, the program has seen exponential growth in recruitment and ensembles.  The program will continue its rich tradition of rendering stellar performances but with a student-centered focus towards excellence in music.  The students have created a new brand for themselves as "The S.O.U.L. of Charlotte" to emphasize their unique status as the only HBCU in Charlotte.  S.O.U.L. stands for "Sounds of Our Unique Legacy" marking the beginning of a new era in the program.  The JCSU Choral Department now has three ensembles: The Swing Choir has been revived after many years, the Golden Voice Gospel Choir is now an official part of the program, and the renowned University Choir still serves as the premier choral ensemble of the program.  Dr. Brooks is a proud HBCU graduate of Bowie State University.