Voices of Unity

Who Are We?

The World Champion Voices of Unity Youth Choir (VOUYC) is Unity Performing Arts Foundation’s acclaimed Youth Choral Program. It is our premier soulful choral group of youth ages 7 to 19 from various backgrounds in the Fort Wayne community and beyond. It prepares them to be successful leaders who will give back to their society and make a difference in their college life, adult life, and in their professional careers.

The Voices of Unity Youth Choral Program is not just a choir, but a journey of personal, artistic, and leadership development. The program is under the guidance of Director and Life Coach, Mr. Marshall White, and supported by other talented instructors, coaches, and mentors. The program aims to prepare young people for the world ahead by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal lives. They will also have the opportunity to give back to their community and positively impact the world.

The program offers various opportunities and benefits, such as:

• Learning and performing different genres of mainstream soulful music, such as Blues, Jazz, Spirituals, Gospel, R&B, Pop, Country, Hip-hop, Neo-soul, early Rock ‘n Roll and some Rap. Students also learn about the history and culture of these musical styles and how to express them
  authentically.
• Receiving artistic training and coaching to enhance their natural singing abilities and skills. They also learn music theory, reading, and performance techniques.
• Getting weekly life lessons that guide them on their personal and professional development and teach them how to be responsible, alert, effective, and successful in every aspect of their lives.
• Developing character, artistry, and leadership skills that improve their social and communication skills, confidence, discipline, self-esteem, respect for authority, focus and consistency. Students also expand their mindset, attitude and maturity and gain an advantage over their peers.
• Building lifelong relationships with the program staff and alumni who support them from grade school to college and beyond. They also become part of a network of alumni who give back to the program and future students.
• Accessing professional shadowing and interning opportunities, academic support, and life coaching. They are encouraged to explore their future aspirations and connect with professional and successful leaders in their fields of interest. They are also supported in their academic, artistic, athletic, civic, and community endeavors.
• Participating in national and international trips, fundraisers, fun activities, camps, concerts, and tours. They experience first-class, professional productions, studio recordings, and meet and sing with professional artists in the music industry. VOU is a unique and exciting soulful choral
  group that has won world championships and acclaim for its performances. But more importantly, it is a program that empowers young people to discover their voice and make a difference in the world.

Background and Accomplishments of the Choir

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir has an impressive record. VOU is a world-class singing group having performed on national and international stages. The choir performed the National Anthem at the NFL Kick Off on National Television with R&B singer Kesha Cole. The choir has also won six gold medals and one silver medal in the World Choir Games and earned a World Grand Champion title in gospel music at the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, in 2010 and Auckland, New Zealand in 2024.

The choir has performed with legendary artists such as Kirk Franklin, Roberta Flack, Josh Groban, Wyn Starks, and Heather Headley, and shared the stage with John Mellencamp, Stephen Stills, and Kelly Clarkson. The choir has traveled to eight countries, including Italy, where they performed a soulful
mass at the Vatican in St Peter’s Basilica.

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir Program also boasts a talented band accompanying the choir in their major concert productions. We have been led by some of the best band directors in the country, such as Dr. Tyron Cooper of Indiana University, Lance Tolbert of Los Angeles, Earth Wind & Fire, Music
Director Myron McKinley, Music Director for Rance Allen, Chris Byrd of Toledo, OH, and many others.

The band adds a rich and vibrant sound to the choir’s soulful music, creating a captivating musical experience for the audience.

When are rehearsals?
The Voices of Unity Youth Choir rehearsals are held Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and Sundays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Purdue Music Center on the Purdue Campus in Room 122.

How can I get more information about the Voices of Unity Youth Choir Program or get my youth involved?
Email us at info@upaf.com or call the UNITY PTC office at (260) 755-2662.