Fort Valley State University Choir wins inaugural HBCU Choir of the Year award

FORT VALLEY — The Fort Valley State University Choir has made history after being named as the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Choir of the Year award recipient at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

Choir Director Alicia Carner-McDonald described the moment as difficult to process, but brought back fond memories of years of rehearsals, performances and worship experiences.

“It was almost surreal. We were sitting there among some phenomenal HBCU choirs, and when they announced Fort Valley State University, there was an immediate rush of emotion. I thought about the rehearsals, the sacrifices, the long days, the students who continued to show up and work, and the journey that brought us to that moment. Hearing our university’s name called on that stage was truly a moment in time that I will never forget,” Carner-McDonald said. 

Carner-McDonald said that, to her, the award is the culmination of over 35 years of her service to God through music and teaching.

“Personally, this award means more than I can fully put into words. I have spent over 35 years serving through music, ministry, leadership, and teaching, and this moment affirmed for me that purpose does not always follow a traditional path. Sometimes God allows your experience, your gifts, your preparation, and your obedience to meet at just the right moment,” Carner-McDonald said. “I am deeply grateful to have had the privilege of directing these students and helping them reach this historic milestone.”

For the FVSU Choir, this isn’t a finish line but the foundation of what is to come. Carner-McDonald hopes this achievement will lay the groundwork for new opportunities for the choir and its members. 

“This award changes what is possible for our program. It gives The Fort Valley State University Choir national recognition and provides an even larger platform for our students to share their gifts. It also reinforces that excellence can come from Fort Valley State University and from HBCUs of every size. My hope is that this recognition will help us continue to grow the choir, attract talented students, expand performance opportunities, build partnerships, and strengthen the resources available to our students,” Carner-McDonald said.

Carner-McDonald had a message to her students, wanting to emphasize her pride in their dedication and commitment to the choir but to remind them to continue striving for excellence.

“To my students: I am extremely proud of you. You earned this moment. Every rehearsal, every sacrifice, every correction, every university performance, every worship experience,  and every time you chose to keep pushing contributed to this achievement. Never allow anyone to minimize what you have accomplished. You are part of history. No matter where life takes you, you will forever be members of the inaugural Stellar Award-winning HBCU Choir of the Year,” Carner-McDonald said. “But I also want you to remember that the award should never become bigger than the work. Stay humble. Stay hungry. Stay disciplined. Continue striving for excellence. We have more music to make, more people to inspire, and more history to write.”

Carner-McDonald extended her thanks to the many supporters of the FVSU choir. 

“I want to thank President Dr. Paul Jones, the administration, faculty, staff, alumni, families, supporters, and the entire Fort Valley State University community for believing in and supporting us,” Carner-McDonald said. “I am also grateful to Mr. Don Jackson, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and Central City Productions for creating a platform that recognizes the extraordinary musical legacy and continued excellence of HBCU choirs.”

Fort Valley State was named the winner over four other HBCU finalists: Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Southern University.

“This was bigger than one director or one choir. We had the honor of standing alongside exceptional HBCU choirs from across the country, and I believe this category shines an important national spotlight on the musical excellence being cultivated at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Carner-McDonald said. “The Fort Valley State University Choir is proud to represent our institution, the state of Georgia, and the HBCU community as the inaugural HBCU Choir of the Year.”

For students that might be interested in joining choir, Carner-McDonald encourages students that are looking to join to reach out to her by email.

“We welcome FVSU students who love to sing, are willing to work, and want to be part of something special. We are looking for students who are committed, teachable, dependable, and willing to grow musically. Interested students can contact us at : theFVSUchoir@fvsu.edu,” Carner-McDonald said.