Organized in 2002, GTS & Y-N-P are affiliated with the Washington Metropolitan Performing Arts Association and are mentees of national recording artists, Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music. This gives a clue as to the standard of excellence and versatility these youth personify.
Youth-N-Praise members have been afforded the opportunity to perform at a variety of local and national venues, including: The Kennedy Center, The Dance Institute of Washington's "Spirit of Kwanzaa" Celebration, The Gospel Music Workshop of America, The Warner Theater, A Taste of D.C., Christmas Celebration at the White House, The Greater Washington Board of Trade, The Fannie Mae Corporation, the Installation Ceremony for the 79th United States Attorney General John Ashcroft, and the Induction Ceremony Reception for the newly charged Board For The National African American History and Culture Museum at the White House. The Choir has also performed in several European countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and The Netherlands. The Choir was recently awarded 1st place in the Sheila Stewart Youth Gospel Choir competition hosted by Radio One Stations, Praise 104.1 and 93.9 WKYS.
Founder-Director Gerald T. Smith composed seven of the eleven songs on the CD project and arranged the remaining selections. He says his composition, "I Believe", was chosen as the title cut because of its positive and inspirational message, which captures his prayer and hope for world peace among all people. He adds, “I truly believe we can live in peace, love and harmony with our brothers and sisters, even if we're from different countries, cultures, races, creeds, or colors.
Recorded at Remix Studios, "I Believe" features guest appearances by Deonte’ Gray from 7 Sons of Soul, who can be heard on “I Believeâ€; Ruth Lynch-Waldron, from London, England, who is composer and soloist of "Holy is the Lord God Almighty"; and Charmaine Swimpson, a vocalist with Kirk Franklin and soloist on "The Glory Belongs to Godâ€.
The Choir gathers youth of various musical experiences to celebrate music and spirituality through the rich tradition of African American sacred music. For some, Y-N-P is their first foray into singing gospel music, and for most it is fast becoming a way of life. Mr. Smith says the most exciting experience associated with recording the CD was watching the enthusiasm, excitement on the faces of the young people as they consistently arrived at the studio each week. He says, "Even though there were long hours and hard work, they didn't complain, they were determined to give their best and complete the task."
GTS & Y-N-P objectives in releasing the CD are: 1) To reach the masses, especially the young people, and share the good news of the gospel; 2) To introduce and expose the community to this unique and gifted group of young people; and 3) To solicit and encourage other young people to audition and become a member of GTS&Y-N-P, to help build the Kingdom of God.
"I Believe" will be marketed and distributed through Amazon.com, CD Baby.com, CD Universe.com, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church Bookstore, Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church Bookstore and available after choir concerts.
Future plans include taking the choir on a European Tour in 2011, to share the group's ministry abroad and later traveling to Africa to minister is song as well. It is Founder-Director Smith's desire to have Y-N-P witness to other young people, youth groups, and youth choirs in local churches and communities about the joy, excitement and benefits of being involved in the arts. More importantly, GTS & Y-N-P desire to serve as living testimonies so others will know how meaningful and fulfilling it is to give one's gifts and talents back to God.
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Youth N Praise Falling In Love With Jesusby babygirl207746,399 views
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