The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale won “People’s Choice” and received $5,000 in Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound, regional choir competition. The VSU group won with its spirited and excellently choreographed version of “Search Me Lord.”  The competition was held in Washington D.C.’s Verizon Center.

How Sweet the Sound is a nationwide search for the best gospel choir in America. The program celebrates music and creates a lasting impact on churches and communities across the country. This year marks the first time in its five-year history that community choirs have been afforded the opportunity to participate.

The Gospel Chorale is one of VSU’s most requested performance groups. Its primary mission is to provide gospel music for the University and surrounding community. Annually, the choir performs for a variety of commitments, including University ceremonies, public concerts, church events (e.g., revivals, anniversaries, installations, etc.), weddings and recording sessions. In support of music education, the choir performs at music conventions, gospel festivals, primary and secondary schools and other colleges and universities across the country.

The choir has competed in many competitions – the most notable being the National Black Music Caucus Choir Competition in New York, where it won first multiple times. In 2003, the choir made history in sweeping wins in 11 of 13 categories (Most Outstanding Choir, Most Outstanding Processional and Recessional, Most Outstanding Chorale Attire, Most Outstanding Choreography, Most Outstanding Soprano Soloist, Most Outstanding Alto, Most Outstanding Tenor Soloist, Most Outstanding Student Director, Most Outstanding Keyboardist, Most Outstanding Percussionist, and Best Coordinated Dance Ensemble).