Marshall White and the Voices of Unity Youth Choir is back!
By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director
On Saturday, June 22 at 6pm the Voices of Unity Youth Choir had their end of season concert, the Rise Up Concert, a spectacular send off event as the group prepares to compete at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand in July. The concert was an amazing performance and their first since before the pandemic with over 70% of the students being new to the choir.
I attended to support and was thoroughly impressed knowing the challenges the organization has endured over the last several years and as my daughter has participated in programs.
This concert solidified the testament of the hard work that CEO and Founder Marshall White and his team have put in over the last several months.
I was so impressed that I called Mr. White to congratulate him, the team and the children in a job well done and talk about the journey back and the Choir Games coming up!
TE: First, welcome back! The concert was wonderful! It was like magic! I enjoyed the variety and depth of songs performed.
So tell me about the process to get back, as you mentioned it a few times on stage.
MW: This was our first concert since the pandemic and what a journey it has been. The majority of our students are brand new to the choir. In 2022 we started a community recruitment strategy (Rising With Purpose Initiative) in conjunction with various schools and organizations. Many of the new students came from those recruitment efforts. It’s been a hard restart and rebuild but it's such a joy to see the fruits of our labor!
Several people at the concert said to me that it was a magical experience for them. That was the jolt the kids needed and they were on cloud nine after!
The kids we have are just special!
TE: What does this strong return mean to you? The auditorium was filled with families of students and various community members, board members and more!
MW: God is just directing and leading and giving me the necessary energy to do this! I attribute that to my divine assistance. God has been with me the whole time and I am blessed and grateful!
TE: Tell me how do you get invited to the world choir games and what made you decide to do it?
MW: This is our 3rd time attending/being invited. We went to China, our first world choir games, and before I prayed and asked God to help me then and he did because I had never done that before. From resources to people to fundraising, it was incredible. And we went to China and won Grand Champion!
This time, I had not planned to attend but someone reached out to me and wanted to document our choir along with a few others. At the time she reached out, I told her I did not have a choir like I did 10 years ago. I showed the staff the email and the board and they voted to proceed along with committing to help raise money and here we are!
TE: I am excited for you and the whole team and from the concert, I can tell the choir is ready! What do you want people to know?
MW: The work we put in to bring the arts to the is community is undeniable and we want parents and community members to continue to support our young people. As they participate, they not only learn vocal lessons but leadership and discipline as well which will help them be successful adults in life as shown through our many alumni who come back and work with us, volunteer and more!
TE: How can people still donate?
MW: We have a landing page online where people can donate and find all the info: https://riseupunity.com/
We as a community need to support these kids as we head to the world choir games!
About: The Voices of Unity Youth Choir (VOUYC) is a dynamic and vibrant choral ensemble that unites youths aged 7 to 19 from diverse backgrounds in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.
Established on July 9, 2000, by its director and life coach, Marshall White, VOUYC transcends the traditional choir experience by providing a comprehensive development program designed to nurture, educate, and inspire young individuals for their future roles in the world.
As an artistic collective, VOUYC creates a learning environment where students delve into the heart of mainstream soulful music, including genres like blues, jazz, spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel, praise and worship, R&B, pop, country, hip-hop, and select rap. Education on these styles’ cultural and historical roots is integral to the program, fostering an authentic performance ability and a deep respect for the diverse influences that shape music in America.
Beyond musical theory, the VOUYC is committed to providing rigorous artistic and stagecraft training, emphasizing vocal skillfulness and solo performance skills, all within a curriculum that demands excellence. Members also gain invaluable perspective through international travel, encountering various cultures and viewpoints that enhance their global awareness
