Howard students are multifaceted by nature, and Clifton Ross III, musical director of the Howard Gospel Choir, is no exception.
In addition to directing the world-renowned choir, Ross is a full-time student and a member of an urban gospel trio.
Ross, a senior music business major from Detroit, has been a member of HGC since the fall of 2003 before becoming its director in fall 2004. He has learned to balance his duties as a student along with producing musical pieces for the choir and directing its performances.
Ross leads choir practices twice a week. Along with constant engagements on and off campus, as the director, Ross also must attend business meetings and band rehearsals.
“I always say that HGC is a full-time job,” Ross said.
“Although directing as a student has been a heavy cross to bear, it has been and still is worth the struggle. To see gospel music finally being recognized and respected on this campus is breathtaking,” Ross said.
HGC, which was founded by students Melanie Russell Lee and Rosalind Thompkins Lynch and debuted in the spring of 1969, has traveled internationally, recorded commercially and worked with notable artists such as Yolanda Adams, Stevie Wonder and Patti Labelle.
“God has blessed and favored this choir to literally walk through doors that many thought were impossible for us to get through,” Ross said. “I am forever grateful to be a part of this organization for such a time as this. I’m excited about our future.”
When this Greater Mount Calvary Holy church member is not directing the gospel choir or attending class, he gives private voice lessons to both Howard University students and members of the community.
Ross also performs and ministers alone and with his urban gospel group R.E.A.L. (Radically Encouraged About Life).
Ross is currently working to become a contestant on BET’s gospel artist competition “Sunday Best.”
The top contestants chosen by the public will be coached by artists and music professionals as they compete to win the title of Sunday Best. These contestants will also get a chance to work with well-known gospel and secular artists and perform before celebrity judges.
“This is about more than just winning or singing on television; he just wants to do what he believes God has called him to do and he has a pure heart,” said Kristen Taylor, a Howard alum and current HGC assistant business manager.
“When he sings, people are blessed and lives are changed, but most importantly, God is glorified. And that’s what his ministry is about,” Taylor added.
The voting deadline for round one is 6 p.m. on Oct. 31, but until then, Ross can be voted for once every 24 hours at www.sundaybest.com/people/cliftonross.
“People should vote for me because I consider myself an ordinary person who is not perfect. I love God and I love singing,” Ross said.
“I have a love for God’s people and spreading his message through song, and I have never forgotten my roots and the people that have helped me along the way,” he added.
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