In one of the boldest moves to date, a winner was crowned without a competition. Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound choir competition gave way to the elements as Hurricane Sandy battered the New York and New Jersey late last year. In its wake of destruction, the grand finale was postponed and later cancelled. The region is still in the process of recovery and rebuilding and still in need of prayers and financial assistance. Thankfully,the visionaries associated with How Sweet the Sound had a thought.
In lieu of a competition, winners were chosen based on their regional performances. The St. Mark Sanctuary Choir shook the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie last September with their performance of the “Worship Medley”. They were certain to make an impact at the Grand Finale and were awarded “Runner Up”. The National Winner for the 2012 How Sweet the Sound choir competition hails from Chicago, Illinois. Dexter Walker and Zion Movement Choir are your National Winners and recipients of the first HSTS recording contract, $25,000 and various gifts from Verizon.
Walker & Zion Movement Choir are an infectious group of worshipers from Chicago. This 90 member chorale is to be celebrated for this most notable achievement! Look for new music and projects from this triumphant group.
With the 2012 competition year coming to a close, attention turns to this year’s competition. Without a doubt,the 2012 competition was the most exciting! What’s in store for 2013? Will the Dallas regional winner return to defend their title? The Dallas regional competition was strong, brimming with potential national winners. Even without new competition, the Dallas regional from 2012 could still produce a top finisher.
The church choir community will have to wait and see. Stay tuned to this column for updates about How Sweet the Sound 2013 and sign up/master class information as it becomes available!
The Plano Gospel Music Examiner would like to take this to thank Verizon, its Sponsors and Linda Stewart for the opportunity to take part in this fabulous event! This exciting event and National Choir Appreciation Sunday keep the musical backbone of the church upright and visible for the next generation.
Special congratulations to Mr. Darius Nelson, the Rev. Phillip Pointer, Sr and the St. Mark Sanctuary Choir of the St. Mark Baptist Church of Little Rock, Arkansas for their remarkable accomplishment in the 2012 How Sweet the Sound choir competition.
Click here for a complete recap of the Dallas regional and profile of the St. Mark Sanctuary Choir.