Coriology Leads Spelman's Gospel Choir to New Heights

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Cori Stevenson, known artistically as Coriology, has been the driving force behind the bold, confident, and soulful sound of the gospel choir at Spelman College's Sisters Chapel over the past five years. Hailing from a small town in Arkansas, Stevenson's musical journey took him to Atlanta, where he built relationships in the city's music community and eventually landed the role of leading Spelman's chapel choir and music department. Reverend Dr. Neichelle Guidry Stewart, the dean of Sisters Chapel, says Stevenson has brought his "creativity... musical genius... and the power of community" to the chapel, transforming the atmosphere. For Stevenson, mentoring students has become some of his most meaningful work, as he watches freshmen grow into seniors and then graduate, an emotional process he says has "restored" him in return.

Why it matters

Stevenson's work at Spelman College's gospel choir highlights the importance of music education and mentorship, particularly in historically Black institutions, where the arts can play a vital role in shaping community and identity. His journey from a small-town upbringing to leading one of the most prominent college gospel choirs in the country also underscores the power of passion and perseverance in the music industry.

The details

Cori Stevenson, known professionally as Coriology, grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas, with little interest in music until he discovered the neo-soul sounds of artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. This sparked his musical journey, which led him to Atlanta, where he built relationships in the city's music community and eventually landed the role of leading the gospel choir and music department at Spelman College's Sisters Chapel five years ago. Under Stevenson's direction, the choir has developed a bold, confident, and soulful sound that has transformed the atmosphere of the chapel, according to Reverend Dr. Neichelle Guidry Stewart, the dean of Sisters Chapel. Stevenson says mentoring students has become some of his most meaningful work, as he watches freshmen grow into seniors and then graduate, an emotional process he says has "restored" him in return.

• Stevenson has led the Spelman College gospel choir and music department for the past 5 years.
• Stevenson first became involved with the Spelman College gospel choir and music department in 2021.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Stevenson is preparing new music and an upcoming performance at City Winery in Atlanta.