Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble Wraps Up 2025 Spring Recruitment Tour

Lincoln University's Vocal Ensemble successfully completed its 2025 Spring Recruitment Tour during spring break, March 9-15.

The Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble (LUVE), directed by Assistant Professor of Music Michelle Gamblin-Green, completed its 2025 spring recruitment tour during the university’s spring break, March 9-15. The annual tour allows the ensemble to share its music while introducing high school students to Lincoln University of Missouri and its music program. 

The tour traditionally begins with a kickoff performance in Kansas City, Missouri, before traveling to other cities. This year, the ensemble performed at different venues and high schools in Omaha, Nebraska; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Chicago, Illinois. Each stop served as both a musical showcase and an opportunity to connect with prospective students.

“The LU Spring Tour was wonderful! It’s really a way to get out and show a different side of LU,” said Reggi Ford, a junior agricultural education major. “Every tour has been one to remember. Mrs. GG and choir has really been the thing to get me out of my comfort zone — from making new friends, learning different styles of music and seeing different cities.”

For many ensemble members, the experience was both musically enriching and personally meaningful.

“The spring recruiting tour was an unforgettable experience, filled with beautiful performances and meaningful connections,” said Triniya Walker, a sophomore psychology major minoring in African American studies. “It was incredible to share our passion for music with future students and showcase the heart of our vocal ensemble. Choir has given me the ability to express myself in ways I never could have imagined. From the moment I came to Lincoln, I knew I wanted to be part of the vocal ensemble, and it has been everything I hoped for — building strong relationships with my peers and growing through the guidance of the wonderful Prof. Gamblin-Green. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to welcome new members next year.”

With another successful tour completed, the Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble continues its mission of spreading the joy of music while inspiring future generations to join the Lincoln community.

LUVE is an auditioned ensemble of mixed voices comprised of both music majors and non-music majors from throughout the campus community. The group was founded in 1977 by Robert L. Mitchell, Sr., and the Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble was given its present name in 1980. The size of the Ensemble has ranged from as few as eight members to more than forty. Whatever its size, LUVE has earned wide respect for the musical and emotive quality of its performance in a wide range of choral music styles, including classical, spirituals, jazz and music from other cultures.