Founded in 1986, the organization’s programs reflect its strong commitment to community service and promote its vision of gospel music as a symbol of hope and faith in what can be accomplished when a diverse community works together toward a shared vision. The Community Engagement Program is a series of 15-25 concerts in a wide range of venues that reach underserved populations and serve the community in times of need and celebration. OIGC also offers a series of annual holiday concerts and a self-produced Free Spring Concert and accompanying biennial Traditional Music Workshop to help preserve and advance gospel music and spirituals. OIGC was born out of a gospel music workshop at Living Jazz’s Jazz Camp West led by Terrance Kelly, who has served as the Artistic Director of the organization for more than three decades. The choir continues to address the need to keep the tradition of Black gospel music and Negro spirituals alive for new generations of singers and to bring this music to diverse audiences throughout the community. The Choir provides opportunities for participation in and access to quality Gospel music, a traditional African American art form, to people of all faiths, races, ages, and economic levels. Since its inception, the organization has grown from one adult choir of 30 to three choirs serving more than 250 people from ages 12 to 92.