THE GENERAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION OF MISSISSIPPI YOUTH CHOIRThe youth choirs of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi (more briefly known as GMBSCM Youth) are comprised of young people from throughout the State of Mississippi. This dynamic music ministry has grown in purpose and number over the years and is, today, uniquely one of the largest choirs in the nation.
"Our youth choir is one of the things that allows us to reach youth the most in our convention," says Arthur Sutton, Executive Director of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi Youth Department. "The youth look forward to every summer coming and being a part of the youth choir program and that's important. So, we work hard to continue to make this choir something they want to be a part of. It's more than a choir; it's a group that really ministers to the young people as much as it ministers to the audiences." Sutton's philosophy has led to the constant growth of the GMBSCM Youth Choir over the years. Under the leadership of directors Stephen Johnson, Darren Daniels, Alisa Patrick McDonald, Aaron Thompson and Harvey Williams, the GMBSCM has added hundreds of youth to the choir over the past 10 years. After reaching over 600 participants in 2011, the choir was split into two groups. Today, the children's choir (which is made up of nearly 200 children ages 12 and under) and the youth choir (over 400 youth ages 13-up) continue to grow. The youth choirs practice throughout the summer in preparation for annual state convention, the summer concert and other engagements; learning original music and gospel favorites. For the past five summers, the choir has performed in concert with various national gospel recording artists, something that has been the source of much excitement and anticipation for choir members. Weekly rehearsals are held during June and July. Along with workshops held in some areas of the state, youth come from all corners of Mississippi to Jackson on Sundays in the summer to prepare for performances. The GMBSCM Youth Choir has had the blessed privilege of ministering with gospel music artists such as Jonathan Nelson, Kierra Sheard, Joshua Rodgers, Crystal Aikin, Dathan Thigpen, Jamel Strong and more. In 2012, the group was invited to perform during the McDonald's Gospel Inspirational Tour in Jackson, Mississippi, where they shared the stage with Canton Jones and gospel music great Fred Hammond. The group is no stranger to stages large and small as performances have varied from music festivals and sold-out concerts to wedding receptions. The GMBSCM Youth Choir has opened for gospel artists like Canton Jones and the Mississippi Mass Choir and is always eager for new opportunities to share its unique gift of song. Most recently, the group was a part of the Mississippi Gospel Showcase held in Jackson. The event highlighted great gospel music artists. The GMBSCM Youth Choir fellowship extends beyond the annual rehearsal and convention season, as youth routinely minister together at church events and activities throughout the state. Arguably one of the world's largest 'close-knit families', the friendships and bonds developed through membership in the GMBSCM Youth Choir are a testament of the group's impact-focused mission. Counted highly among its greatest accomplishments are the many souls who have come to Christ and a number of group participants who have gone on to become ministers, musicians, and psalmists. Several recent GMBSCM alums have formed gospel groups like Scottie WIllis & R.E.A.P.; Jason Pittman & T.E.A.M.G.; and Jason Gibson & Destiny Project. The choirs looks to reach new heights in the coming years, as new opportunities for ministry present themselves. "The sky is the limit," said Sutton. "Everything we do with regard to this choir is an investment. It is an investment into the lives of these young people and I know that the impact that is made today is just a seed into the future impact, for God, they will have in their communities and in the world." GMBSCM YPD BROCHURE |