Gospel Choir Makes Triumphant Return to Central Catholic

The Central Catholic Gospel Choir originally formed during the 1984-85 school year and was directed by teacher Ms. Gwendolyn Winfree (now Evans).  Dwayne Hammond later took over as director and led the choir until 2016.  After he left, the Gospel Choir did not continue, but last year a small group of students approached the CCHS administration about bringing it back.  They began meeting at lunch and after school, and they performed at a few school Masses.

This school year, alumnae Dawn Scotland (Class of 2010) began teaching Spanish at Central Catholic.  She had been a member of the Gospel Choir as a student at CCHS, and she decided to become the new director.  She said the group now has about 20 students and is very student-led, but she helps pick out the songs that students perform and helps them choose their solos.

“I'm very excited to help bring the Gospel Choir back!” said Scotland.  “The Gospel Choir was such a big part of my life and my experience at Central Catholic.  I hope to provide the same opportunity for our students now.” 

The Gospel Choir still meets during lunch, but next year partial class credit will be offered for the after-school class (similar to Marching and Performing Band).  Many students have shown interest in joining the choir and having it as a class will allow them more practice time as well as academic credit.

“I joined the CCHS Gospel Choir because I thought it would be fun,” said senior RJ Maddox.  “I like to sing and I wanted to get involved in more school activities.  The experience so far has been really positive and exciting.  We always have fun during practice but still get things done.  I think it’s important for Central Catholic to have a Gospel Choir because it brings culture and tradition to the school.  It is also another good way for people to get involved.”

“I wanted to join the Gospel Choir mainly because it is a family tradition,” said senior Jayla Watson.  “All of my cousins were in it when they went here, so I was excited to be a part of it too.  I love the Gospel Choir.  We meet every week during our lunches and it's really fun.  It is also a great chance to get to know others around you.  I think it's important for Central Catholic to have the Gospel Choir because I feel like it gives others who may not be Catholic a chance to praise God just through music.  It used to be a great program and I’m excited that we are able to have that experience again.”

So far this year, the Gospel Choir has performed at several school Masses, at the Veterans Day assembly, the Thanksgiving prayer service, and the Sounds of Christmas show.  They will be performing at the Black History Month assembly and at Gesu School’s assembly.  Next year, they plan to add public performances at churches and community concerts.

“I’m ecstatic about bringing the Gospel Choir back to CCHS,” said principal Morgan Delp.  “In addition to showcasing more of our students’ incredible talents, their performances help our entire Irish family to worship God in a meaningful and engaging way.  Their group also adds an important element into our performing arts program.  I am grateful for our students and Ms. Scotland - their enthusiasm and dedication has made this rebirth possible.”