Student membership in the Gospel Ensemble is open to all students of the university and is representative of the diverse student body at Kentucky State University.  The course objective is to provide a spiritual  atmosphere where students can assemble and engage in wholesome activities. Also, the organization serves as  a link  between the university and church community.  Through  development of skills in the areas of singing, conducting, accompanying, and arranging, many members receive a foundation in preparation  for professional careers in gospel music.

The K.S.U. Gospel Ensemble recently celebrated its Thirty-Year Gospel Ensemble Alumni Reunion and has developed a diverse repertoire of songs, including contemporary and traditional gospel along with spirituals and anthems.  As recipients of several  awards and honors, the Gospel Ensemble has inspired audiences everywhere.  The choir has performed in concert for special events such as the inauguration of the Governor Paul Patton of Kentucky as well as  with leading gospel artists such as the Winans, O’landa Drapier, Shun-Pace Rhodes, Al Green, Ricky Dillard, Rodney Bryant, and Michael Houston.  The choir has backed recording artist Babbie Mason in concert on several occasions, and was also selected as the Grand Prize Winner of the 1998  Creme of Nature HerbaRich Gospel Choir Competition sponsored by Revlon Inc.  As Grand Prize winners, the choir received new choir robes and traveled to New York City for a commercial recording session.     The choir also recently  performed for Kweisi Mfume, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NAACP on two occasions in Detroit and Louisville, Kentucky.   The Gospel Ensemble maintains an active schedule and is in constant demand to serve as representatives for Kentucky State University.

The choir functions under a faculty advisor, Dr. Leon Richard who is professor of music at Kentucky State University.  Mario Radford, a senior English major, currently serves as student director of the choir and is assisted by  James Davis and Dwayne Plummer.  Erica Stroud currently  serves as president of the Choir.  For additional information contact Dr. Leon Richard (502) 597-6600.  E-mail: leonrichard@gwmail.kysu.edu