York St John Students Union Gospel Choir

Established in early 2006, the Gospel Choir have an ever-growing reputation in and around St John’s University. The choir thrive to create music that is both traditional and commercial, incorporating both Negro-spiritual and a more contemporary style.

In September 2006, the Gospel Choir became affiliated with the Students’ Union, giving the choir official Society status, building its reputation and playing higher profile events. This choir has always been student-led and this year Clark Howard and Amy Spall have taken on the lead roles.

‘Drumanji’

Drumanji began in September 2006, led by tutor Chris Bartram. Influenced by pieces such as ‘Djagbe’ and ‘Kpanlogo’ the group have gone on to re-create these and their own pieces using authentic rhythms and their own ideas.

For the next few months, Ian Hird and Clark Howard have taken over ‘Drumanji’ from Chris.

In the African tradition, the music and rhythms the musicians create are rarely for an audience to sit down and watch. The pieces are frequently used for dancing and celebration and bringing together the African community …so we would like to invite you to join us in re-creating this! Don’t worry if you have two left feet, it’s about being involved and having fun!