History
Ja Ronn Thompson, the founder and current director of the Gospel Gators, attended San Francisco State University in 2004. Although he was only a freshman, he was determined to bring Gospel music onto campus. With the support of music professor, Dr. Dee Spencer, Ja Ronn was told to "make it happen" and was encouraged to tour campus handing out flyers, inviting people to audition for his newfound choir.
The first rehearsal consisted of seven members practicing in throughout various parts of the school, including classrooms and even hallways due to the lack of a permanent practice space. They had no sheet music or musical accompaniment to help them along the way, but still managed to work together to perfect their music.
After 16 long years, the small seven-member group grew into what is now an official organization on the San Francisco State campus, the Gospel Gators. With more than 40 singers and 7 musicians who participate every semester, and a featured band that performs at our annual concerts every fall and spring, this choir continues to grow every year and their sound continues to improve. Anyone from of any background is encouraged to join, as long as they can contribute their own passion and love as a choir member. We hope to see the numbers increase even more over the next years in order to grow as a choir and as a family.
The first rehearsal consisted of seven members practicing in throughout various parts of the school, including classrooms and even hallways due to the lack of a permanent practice space. They had no sheet music or musical accompaniment to help them along the way, but still managed to work together to perfect their music.
After 16 long years, the small seven-member group grew into what is now an official organization on the San Francisco State campus, the Gospel Gators. With more than 40 singers and 7 musicians who participate every semester, and a featured band that performs at our annual concerts every fall and spring, this choir continues to grow every year and their sound continues to improve. Anyone from of any background is encouraged to join, as long as they can contribute their own passion and love as a choir member. We hope to see the numbers increase even more over the next years in order to grow as a choir and as a family.
"We Sing With Passion and No Fear"
"We sing with Passion and No Fear" a quote that has become familiar with all Gospel Gator members, old and new. Our mission is to provide students with a safe, fun, and friendly environment for all to feel welcome in. We strive to spread a sense of community and understanding to all who area part of this organization, accepting everyone of every gender, creed, race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. to join as a family using gospel music as a vehicle to strive to better musical achievements!
Check out our Youtube channel to check out some of our past performances!
