The purpose of the RIT Gospel Ensemble, founded 1981, is to inspire and uplift others, while sharing the unique flavor and cultural heritage of the Gospel tradition through the ministry of song.
RIT Gospel Ensemble is a formally recognized organization under Student Government. Our student operated organization of about thirty members comes from a variety of backgrounds. We do not audition for our group, but rather allow God to work through us to divine His praise and worship. Our group welcomes RIT faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as members of the other colleges in the Rochester community. Our membership includes deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. We have several concerts and engagements throughout the year including Brick City Festival / Homecoming Weekend, Gospel Fest, Martin Luther King Day, and our anniversary. Often we participate in or host intercollegiate choir festivals. Through our ministry we have been able to bring major recording artists such as Hezekiah Walker, Richard Smallwood, Byron Cage, and most recently Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers to the RIT and Rochester community. Our mission also includes weekend trips to sing at local churches and programs both in Rochester and Buffalo. In addition we participate in on-campus fellowships with other organizations, community service, and social event programming.
" This uplifting vocal group (founded in 1981) proclaims an appreciation for God and their solidarity through the ministry of song in the Gospel and Christian traditions. "Excerpt from a past issue of Reporter Magazine:
The RIT Gospel Ensemble adds a spiritual side to the music at RIT. Their music is energetically sung, with the purpose of praising God always present. In the case of the Gospel Ensemble, music is not simply about entertaining people, but having a common interest and a strong relationship with God. Spirituals, modern gospel songs, interdenominational anthems and hymns are the specialties of the Gospel Ensemble as they minister to people, help heal, take troubles from peoples' hearts, and remind them that God is with us. The group is open to everyone, and anyone with a zeal to praise God is encouraged to join them in singing. They can be heard in concert(s) at the Interfaith Center ..and can often be heard around campus including... Interdenominational Gospel Worship Services in the Interfaith Chapel. They also sing at local church concerts, Gospel Fest Weekend, the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, and many other engagements. So if you are looking for music with real spiritual substance, this a group to listen to and sing along with.