The Black Celestial Choral Ensemblee

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The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble is Syracuse University’s celebrated college gospel choir. The ensemble began in the late 1970s with founder and musical director John Westbrook, who led the choir for 9 years. Under Westbrook’s direction, the choir grew to 70 to 80 members and was considered “the choir.” The BCCE included a large number of minority students and did more than fulfill a social need; it fed people’s spiritual needs. BCCE went on to record their first album entitled, “Don’t You Want to Go” in 1984 at the Landmark Theater. The choir also sang musical numbers for drama and dance productions for the Landmark. The members developed a bible study called the New Birth Christian Organization. The choir also served the community by selling dinner plates at local community events and singing for various church programs. Many people are touched by the choir’s spirit-filled voices at concerts held each semester. The choir continues to serve the community at events and churches. BCCE also participates in special activities such as their spring 2000 tour, when they traveled to churches along the east coast. Annually they attend a conference at Cornell University where they sing with other college gospel choirs. Presently, there are 50 active student members. The current serving director is Evelyn Carter, a Syracuse University alum and former BCCE student member who was assistant director as an undergrad and became director in 1993. The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2002. The choir’s legacy lives on through its powerful ministry, and continues to lead others to Christ through song.