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Marshall White, Founder & CEO

Marshall White, Founder & CEO

Marshall White is the CEO and founder of Unity Performing Arts Foundation and serves as the Director and Life Coach for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. With over 30 years of experience in shaping and guiding young lives through music, Marshall is an accomplished musician, vocal coach, composer, producer, and choral director. He is renowned for his expertise in soulful choral singing and his ability to inspire choir members to reach their ultimate potential by striving for excellence.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings: Born on February 21, 1958, in Fort Wayne, IN, Marshall demonstrated a natural talent for music at a young age. By the age of thirteen, he was already playing the piano and organ for Progressive Baptist Church, his father’s church’s youth choir, despite having no formal music training. His early musical journey was nurtured under the mentorship of Vernon Henderson, an extraordinary gospel musician who introduced Marshall to the fundamentals of gospel choral music.

Marshall pursued further education in music and technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and later at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, where he trained under renowned jazz pianist Willie Pickens. His deep curiosity and passion for innovation led him to become one of the first church musicians in Fort Wayne to incorporate synthesizers and MIDI technology into the black church experience.

Career and Accomplishments: In 2000, Marshall founded the Unity Performing Arts Foundation (UNITY), a unique platform dedicated to providing young people of color with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the 21st century. The Voices of Unity Youth Choir (VOUYC), the first artistic program of UNITY, quickly rose to prominence under Marshall’s leadership, becoming a symbol of excellence in choral music.

Some of Marshall’s most notable accomplishments include:

  • International Success: Marshall led the Voices of Unity Youth Choir to their first international competition at the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, in 2010. The choir won the World Grand Champion title and two gold medals, marking a historic achievement for the group. They continued their success at subsequent World Choir Games in 2012, 2014, & 2024, winning additional gold medals and earning their second World Grand Champion title and sixth gold medal.
  • Performances on Prestigious Stages: Under Marshall’s direction, the choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and alongside notable artists such as Michael Bolton, Clifton Davis, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Sandi Patti, and Barry Manilow. The choir has also performed at significant events, including the NFL Kick-Off Celebration for the Indianapolis Colts and the opening of Lucas Oil Stadium.
  • Awards and Honors: Marshall’s work has earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Governor’s Award, the Rev. Charles Williams Community Service Excellence Award, the Ian Rolland Community Service Award, and multiple accolades from Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate in ministry from Fort Wayne Theological Seminary and Bible College.
  • Innovative Use of Technology: Marshall was a pioneer in introducing digital sequencing and MIDI recording to gospel choirs. His collaboration with Chuck Surack of Sweetwater Sound allowed him to integrate cutting-edge technology into his music ministry, revolutionizing the way gospel music was produced and performed.
  • Empowering the Next Generation: Through master classes, choral training sessions, and workshops across the country, Marshall has shared his expertise in music and leadership with thousands of young people. His guiding philosophy is that “life is a gift from God given to us to choose what we will do with it; become a positive asset or a negative liability.” He has dedicated his life to ensuring that the young people he mentors become positive assets to their communities and the world.
  • Community Impact: Marshall’s leadership has extended beyond music. He has been instrumental in fostering artistic relationships between the gospel music community and institutions like the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. He also played a key role in organizing the first gospel concert at the Embassy Theater in Fort Wayne, IN, in 1984.

Marshall White continues to lead the Unity Performing Arts Foundation with unwavering dedication, inspiring young people to pursue excellence in all aspects of their lives. His legacy is one of innovation, empowerment, and a profound commitment to the development of the next generation of leaders.