The History of Voices of Praise
The Baldwin-Wallace College Gospel Choir was formed by five African-American female students who loved to sing. Every weekend, Beryl Harris, Alice Walters, Theresa Pitts, Yolanda Broach and Sharon J. Wilson would get together in the Piano Room of Lang Hall to play and sing Gospel Music. During one of their usual Friday evening sessions it was suggested that the group attempt to form a choir and allow other students to participate. Due to Ms. Wilson majoring in music at the Conservatory, it was unanimously agreed that she would be the Director.
The B-W Gospel Choir was therefore first recognized during the 1975-76 school year as the Baldwin-Wallace College Black Student Alliance Gospel Choir. Following a successful first year the choir become an independent group with their own constitution and was awarded their first Senate budget in the 1977-78 year. The choir, which originated with five members, now boasted to thirty-five members. Throughout the tenure of the choir, Sharon J. Wilson Colden remained its director until June, 1995 when she retired. In the fall of 1995 it was decided that a new director would be an employee of the college.
God's "ram in the bush" was Jay
T. Hairston. Jay T. had worked with the choir in the past as
a pianist, advisor and coordinator of special workshops featuring national
gospel artist like Jerry Thomas and Rev. Timothy Wright on several occasions.
Jay T. is currently the Assistant Dean of Students at Baldwin-Wallace College
and he is also a professional gospel recording artist.