ONU Gospel Ensemble Ready to Celebrate 35 Years in 2022

Ohio Northern University’s Gospel Ensemble has proved that diversity and inclusion are themes that stand the test of time. 

The singing group was founded in the fall of 1987 for what they believed was a one-time performance. 

The 16 founding members of the group were all African-American students who assembled and rehearsed for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day performance on campus in January 1988. 

It then became one of the chapel outreach programs, and the group has since established itself as a mainstay, providing the campus with music for three decades.

The group has included a mix of ONU students, faculty and staff over the years, and a mix of diversity as not all of the members are African American. 

The complications of COVID-19 have forced the group to pause recruitment, so at present the group is holding at 10 members. 

Next year the Gospel Ensemble will celebrate 35 years of history.