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In 1975, a small group of students united to fill a cultural void left by the Pomojo Ebony Choir on campus by organizing the University of Maryland Gospel Choir, which later became the Maryland Gospel Choir under the leadership of Mr. Edward Duffy and students as directors. The choir members were able to earn 3 credits per semester through the African American Studies Program. A year later in 1976, Mr. Richard Smallwood became the first professional director. In 1979, the choir made the Nyumburu Cultural Center its home. Succeeding Mr. Smallwood in October of 1981 was Ms. Valeria Foster. Under her direction, the choir recorded a cassette tape “Jesus Loves Me” and a CD “Taste and See”.

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In 1996, Mr. Dewayne R. Gregory became the new Director/Instructor until 2005. Under Mr. Gregory's directorship, the choir has shared the stage with recording artists such as Hezekiah Walker, Maurette Brown Clark, Viola Bradford, Isaiah Thomas, and comedian Bill Cosby, as well as, recorded a CD “Worthy To Be Praised." Mr. Gregory is a composer, songwriter, and arranger. Under his leadership, the choir has had an eclectic genre that reached the audience.

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For many years, Mr. Jarrett Baker assisted Mr. Gregory on the piano/organ/and keyboards as well as wrote and arranged songs on the choir’s CD. In the fall of 2005, Mr. Jarrett Baker became the director. The choir grew and flourished under his direction. By the fall of 2008, Mr. Jarrett Baker accepted a full-time musical position and Mr. DeWayne Gregory resumed the directorship of the Maryland Gospel Choir until the fall of 2016.

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In the fall of 2016, Mr. Mitchell D. Fleming, a native of Maryland, a vocal coach, pianist, organist, trombonist, and director took the helm of the Gospel Choir. Mr. Fleming is known for his high energy, commitment to Christ and dependability as a loyal servant. Mr. Fleming has performed all over the United States, Bahamas, Austria, Africa, France, and Germany. Mr. Fleming is the former director of the Jarvis Christian College Concert Choir where they performed for the Rosa Parkers 45th Commemorative Celebration in Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Fleming has established a great rapport with the choir and they have grown tremendously under his leadership.

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In the fall of 2018, Ms. Tiffany Blossom, a worship leader, songwriter, and musician, became the Assistant Director of the Maryland Gospel Choir. Prior to this, she  sang in the choir for all four years of undergrad where she served as the President, Student Director and Worship Leader. Ms. Blossom also helped the choir win the Service Organization of the Year Award and was a recipient of Governor Hogan's Volunteer Service Award. Upon graduation, she became the first person to sing the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at both the Men's and Women's University of Maryland Basketball Games. In addition to her role with the choir, she serves as the Director of the Praise & Worship Team, Campus Recruitment and Ministry Liaison and an Admissions Representative.

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Ms. Anne Reese Carswell, the Associate Director of the Nyumburu Cultural Center, has served the center for over 40 years. She is a chartered member of the Maryland Gospel Choir and serves as the Faculty Advisor and Instructor of Record. Ms. Carswell's support has been instrumental in the choir's success.

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Special Thanks to . . .

 

University System of Maryland

University of Maryland, College Park

College of Arts and Humanities (School of Music)

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Nyumburu Cultural Center

Dr. Ronald Zeigler, Director

Anne Reese Carswell, Associate Director

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All Campus Partners, Community Members, Supporters, Family and Friends!