It’s not often that someone attends college, and then stays for another 30 years. But that’s the case for this week’s Campus Celebrity, Dr. Gregory Ross.
During his first term as a freshman at Drexel, Dr. Ross joined the Drexel Gospel Choir. At the time the choir was in its first few years under the direction of Vashti “Tina” Gorham, and Gregory was pursuing a bachelor of science in accounting., Gorham nominated Gregory, upon his graduation in 1985, to the University to become the director of the choir.
As the both a choir director and a university professor, Dr. Ross has duties to uphold to run a successful organization. His academic duties include ensuring students receive an education on both contemporary and traditional styles of American gospel music. He is also responsible for selecting the repertoire, scheduling choir performances, as well as teaching the music. He may spend as much to four days a week on campus, between musicians and singers rehearsals, and completing paperwork.
“Selecting material is difficult, due to the change in gospel music,” Dr. Ross said. “It doesn’t have as much substance as the traditional music. I want our songs to be both thought provoking and inspirational.” The need to achieve these goals has led to him writing and arranging songs to be performed, as well as performing songs written by choir students and alumni.
While instructing the choir, Dr. Ross completed his BS, as well as gained an MBA in finance and a Master of Divinity. He also married his college sweetheart and fellow choir member, Beatrice. The couple has two sons, Eugene and Evan, the former is a Drexel alum and choir member. In addition to working at the University, Dr. Ross is employed as a cash manager at a local manufacturing corporation. He also works as an associate minister at the Thankful Baptist Church.
Under Dr. Ross’ direction, the choir has expanded into mime ministry, praise dancers, and the student organization, Disciples in Deed. These groups perform several times throughout the year on-campus, as well as at venues around the Delaware Valley. The groups also go on tour during spring term, so far covering most of the eastern seaboard and traveling to Montreal, Jamaica, and other states within the continental U.S. In May of 2015, the choir anticipates traveling and performing in Ohio churches.
On March 6-7, the choir recorded a live CD/DVD in the Mandell Theater. The album celebrates Dr. Ross’ 30th year as the director and is titled “Lord, Make Me a Vessel.”
“The CD is about a journey, and I hope whoever is listening will be able to relate and be drawn closer to God,” Dr. Ross said.
The Gospel Choir is always looking for new singers and musicians. If you would like to know more, or join, go to their website:http://dugc.org/