History changed at Kent State University and in its School of Music when Dr. Linda B. Walker founded the Kent State University Gospel Choir in 1996. (The choir is also known as the KSU Gospel Choir, University Gospel Choir, and Kent State Gospel Choir.)
The choir enjoys an excellent local, regional, national, and international reputation. International invitations and performances have included Italy (October 1998), The Bahamas (January 2001), and Eastern Europe (March 2003). The choir was invited to compete and awarded second place in the Louisville (KY) Urban League Gospel Choir Explosion (March 2006). This popular group is also invited to perform for several on-campus activities, including the Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Lester Lefton (April 2007).
Members of the group include undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members of different ages, ethnic and racial backgrounds, disciplines, and religious beliefs. Thus, KSU Gospel Choir is the most diverse unit and/or ensemble at Kent State. Undergraduate students are required to enroll in MUS 45151; graduate students may enroll in MUS 55151. No audition is required prior to enrollment; however, a voice placement audition is conducted at the beginning of each semester—for new members only. Community members, persons who are not enrolled at Kent State, must seek permission from the director and complete a brief audition to sing in the choir.
The class meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each Monday during fall and spring semesters. Performance engagements are not accepted once the academic year has ended, or during holidays and summer months. For further information please contact Dr. Walker at 330-672-2431 or lwalker@kent.edu.
