Music Ministry

The Sanctuary Choir has sung in Mt. Vernon, White Plaines, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The Sanctuary Choir appeared in a performance with Aretha Franklin in Washington, D.C., and on a CD with Opera Singer Barbara Conrad which was nominated for a Grammy.

The Voices of Convent recognized as one of the greatest Gospel Choirs in the city for many years shared the Gospel Message with their "All-Request concert every third Sunday to standing room only. The Voices are recognized for taking the Gospel Message in song and delivering the message by rearranging and personalizing it to make it as sung by the Voices. The Voices of Convent honor requests to give concerts by churches throughout the region.

The Inspirational Ensemble has had the opportunity to share our message of hope with both our home church as well as various venues around the world. Most notably, the choir has sung for the Honorable William Jefferson Clinton and performed at Carnegie Hall, The Jacob Javits Center, and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, along with successful tours of South America in 1998, 1999 and 2001. While in South America, the choir performed in Argentina in the following cities Buenos Aires, Cordoba; Mendoza and Montevideo, with performances also in the countries of Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. Additionally, the Inspiration Ensemble has sung in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, and New Orleans.

The Youth Choir and The Children's Choir are very important segments of the Music Ministry. These choirs sing every 3rd Sunday in the Lower Sanctuary at the Children and Youth Worship Services.

The Spoken Word Ministry brings God's word to life through reenacting stories of the Bible.

Dr. Gregory H. Hopkins is the second Minister of Music in Convent Avenue Baptist Church’s 83-year history. An internationally acclaimed singer, pianist, organist, choral conductor, teacher, and clinician, he has received many awards and honors, and he loves sharing his passion and talent for music with others.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he studied voice at Temple University, opera at the Curtis Institute of Music, and earned his DMA from Belford University. His first role was playing at Sunday School in his home church, Vine Memorial Baptist Church. He also taught voice at Morgan State University and Howard University.

In pursuit of his singing career, he decided to seek a church position in NYC to avoid the life of a starving artist. Hopkins stubbornly followed his passion until God made it clear that his gifts were meant to bless the church. He joined Convent in 1987 under the late Rev. Clarence P. Grant.

Dr. Hopkins has performed in many renowned halls, with major orchestras and opera companies, including The Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Opera, Opéra Genève, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and in Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall. He had the honor of singing at the United Nations for Israel’s 25th anniversary of independence. Dr. Hopkins also served as Artistic Director for Harlem Opera Theater, Music Director for the Harlem Jubilee Singers, and the Cocolo Japanese Gospel Choir.

He has sung with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where he was also a featured soloist in “Revelations”. Dr. Hopkins is featured on more than five commercial CD projects, one of which was nominated for a Grammy. He hosted a cable TV show called The Gregory Hopkins Hour, showcasing music from church services.

At the Hampton University Minister’s Conference, Hopkins has served in roles ranging from Assistant Choir Director to Conference Organist, Recital Coordinator, and Tenor Section Leader. He is active with the Gospel Music Workshop of America and NCGCC, also known as the Dorsey Convention. For both the National Baptist Convention and the NAACP, he has prepared choirs for two different years. Most recently, he was the Music Coordinator for the homegoing services of Hazel Dukes and Congressman Charles Rangel.

Dr. Hopkins has served as Director of Performance Ministries for the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses; Recital Co-Coordinator at the Hampton University Minister’s Conference; and Vocal Consultant for the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Men’s Department. He has twice been honored to prepare and produce musicals for the National Baptist Convention and was the musical director for the NAACP Centennial Celebration. Minister Louis Farrakhan requested Dr. Hopkins to sing “To God Be the Glory” immediately after his “Million Man March” sermon.

As the Minister of Music at Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Dr. Hopkins has transformed and elevated the Music Ministry. This ministry includes four choirs (Sanctuary Choir, Voices of Convent, Male Choir, and Children & Youth Choir), plus special anniversary choirs, like the Women’s Day Choir, Young Adult Family Day Choir, Laymen’s Day Choir, and the Combined Choirs. Under his leadership, the choirs have sung throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. He has also showcased the church’s music ministry in national and international venues. Currently, Dr. Hopkins performs with Convent’s Harlem Praise Singers, directed by Mr. Anthony Evans, at their weekly Wednesday Night Gospel Concert, which is a favorite among tourists worldwide.

With no regrets after nearly 40 years as Minister of Music at Convent Avenue Baptist Church, God ALWAYS has the last say. He and Chantel Wright are proud parents of Malachi Wright.