01
The University Choir
A mixed ensemble dedicated to the study and performance of traditional, contemporary, sacred and secular choral literature.
Learn moreJohnson C. Smith University · Charlotte, N.C.
The S.O.U.L.
of Charlotte
The Program
Charlotte’s oldest choral tradition
Three ensembles rehearse and perform under one program at the only HBCU in Charlotte: the University Choir, the Golden Voices Gospel Choir, and the Smith Singers.
The repertoire runs from traditional and contemporary choral literature to sacred and secular works, gospel, and a cappella. The ensembles sing on campus, in churches across the Carolinas, and at engagements throughout the region.
The program is directed by Dr. Angelica Brooks, Director of Choral Activities, who joined in 2024 as the sixth director in its history.
- 1908
- First ensemble organized
- 3
- Ensembles today
- 30
- Consecutive years before the General Assembly
- 6
- Directors since 1907
Choral Ensembles
Three ways to sing
Each ensemble has its own literature, its own standard, and its own place in the program.
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The Golden Voices Gospel Choir
A mixed ensemble dedicated to the study and performance of traditional and contemporary gospel music literature and history.
Learn more03
The Smith Singers
An elite ensemble designed to perform for exclusive engagements on and off campus, specializing in contemporary and classical a cappella music.
Learn moreDirector of Choral Activities
Dr. Angelica Brooks
An award-winning choral director, music educator and DEIA specialist, Dr. Brooks has taught across every level of music education and leads the JCSU Choral Program as its Director of Choral Activities.
She co-chairs the National Association for Music Education Equity Committee, sits on its National Executive Board, and founded The Table Music Education Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- D.M.A.Music Teaching and Learning — University of Southern California
- M.M.Vocal Pedagogy — The Catholic University of America
- B.M.Vocal Performance and Media Management — Bowie State University
Upcoming
Where we are singing next
01Feb
Statesville Presbyterian Church
Statesville, N.C.
11:00 a.m.
08Feb
First Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
Morning service
11:00 a.m.
08Feb
Chosen City Church
Afternoon service
3:00 p.m.
26Mar
JCSU Spring Choral Concert Season finale
Myers Park Presbyterian Church
Time TBA
The Legacy
Singing here since 1908
In 1964, the University Choir was selected as the official broadcasting choir for the United Presbyterian Church, USA. From the choir history
Dr. Thomas Alexander Long organized the Biddle University Quintet in 1908. It first appeared before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA in 1909, and went on to sing before that body for thirty consecutive years.
The University Glee Club followed in 1926 and soon became the University Choir. In the decades since, the program has appeared on Good Morning America, performed with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and sent its singers across the country.
Auditions
Come and sing with us
The window for the 2026–2027 year is February 20 through March 6, 2026. Two contrasting memorized selections, a short sight-reading exercise, and a conversation.