The University of South Carolina Upstate is a leading regional public university that transforms the lives of diverse students, their families, and communities throughout the Upstate South Carolina region. With a commitment to cultivate an inclusive community and prioritize ethical conduct as fundamental to the core mission of student success, USC Upstate has nurtured a revolving group of talented goodwill ambassadors through the power of Gospel music.
The university’s gospel choir began as The Gordon-Collums Gospel Choir, but the school changed from USCS to USC Upstate in 2005, and the choir name changed to The USC Upstate Gospel Choir. They have become the soul of the university.
In 2013, songwriter, choir director, and educator Alphaeus Anderson took over the choir with 16 members and has grown it to over 70 members through his innovative techniques in youth empowerment. Under his direction for over ten years, the choir is preparing its debut album and releasing its first single, “Already Done.”
“Already Done is the anthem that bursts through the darkness, lighting up the future with a blaze of unbreakable faith,” Alphaeus states. “It’s the sound of victory before the battle, the assurance that the impossible is already within reach no matter the storm. To some, this song is a prophecy; to others, it’s a promise already fulfilled.”
Alphaeus Anderson is the author of Youth Magnet and No Youth No Church SOULutions and the founder of No Youth No Church, which provides coaching and training for leaders to attract and empower youth. He founded the Pure-N-Heart choir, which now attracts over 350 students annually, and has received seven Stellar Award nominations, winning Best Youth Project of the Year in 2012 and 2019.
“Already Done” is available now on all digital music outlets. The song is written by the assistant choir director Jared White, is produced by Dontae Ladson, and features lead vocals by CJ Marquís. The USC Gospel choir have also released the official music video streaming now on their YouTube channel. Lead videographer Jody Hayes and his media team captured the students’ inherent energy and vibe while immersing in authentic worship. Watch the official music video here.
The growth and dedication of students to the USC Upstate Gospel Choir are evident. Lives are being changed on campus, and now the impact can be global.
“Growing up as a preacher’s kid, people assumed I had a personal relationship with God simply because I had been in church my whole life. But, I truly met God at a Gospel choir practice,” says USC Upstate student and choir member Kiana Murdaugh. “This Gospel choir saved me from many bad decisions and was a place I could always go when I felt far from the spirit. I am deeply grateful to Alpheus for his leadership and commitment to his calling. I cherish my USC Gospel Choir family.”
Kiana and her classmates’ release of “Already Done” is a precursor to The USC Gospel Choir’s forthcoming debut album, ELEVATE, which will be available in early 2025.
