BIOGRAPHY

The Howard University Community Choir is a student-led, community-based gospel choir on the campus of Howard University. The choir was organized in March 1989 under the name of the Residence Hall Choir (RHC). The choir’s first activity was its performance in Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at the beginning of Residence Hall Week. After this performance, the group decided to remain together and has been richly blessed ever since. In the fall of 1992, the choir officially became a recognized student organization at Howard University and became the Howard University Community Choir (HUCC).

This year marks the choir’s 33rd year of service to the Lord through unique musical ministry. Although these thirty years have included many obstacles, the joy of singing songs continues to be the choir’s strength. As a ministry, HUCC adopts the philosophy that ministry is any service opportunity where we can give ourselves away to God. As a student-led organization, the choir allows college students to build young leaders who operate in integrity and strive to become profoundly excellent and spiritually mature.

HUCC has made a major impact on the lives of students, faculty, and the community at large through its dedication and committed service. The choir has proudly served on programs with gospel artists such as: Shirley Caesar, Daryl Coley, Lashaun Pace, Karen-Clark Sheard, Ron Winans, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett and many more.

In addition, the choir has participated on programs featuring keynote speakers including: Rosa Parks, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bishop Desmond M. Tutu, former Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert, Dean of the Chapel Dr. Bernard Richardson, Dr. Dorothy Height, former President of the National Council of Negro Women, Rev. Al Sharpton, and many more.

Furthermore, the choir has expanded the scope of its ministry by traveling outside of Howard University and the Washington Metropolitan area. The choir has traveled to Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Illinois.

God has truly blessed the ministry of the Howard University Community Choir. Moreover, the choir continues to make a meaningful contribution to the students and the surrounding community. The Howard University Community Choir is currently under the direction of Ms. Katherine Osere.