Something For Sunday:
On the afternoon of Palm Sunday all roads lead to the historic Macedonia Baptist Church, Los Angeles for a musical worship experience like none other. The Voices In Praise celebrated their 24th Annual Musical, “It Will Be Alright.” “The spirit was high and a good time was had by all.”
Founding Director, Byron J. Smith, elevated the worship experience through poignant song selection and placement. Smith is the longest tenured member of the music ministry of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Smith is a native of Los Angeles. He received his B.M. from California State University, Long Beach and his M.M. from California State University, Los Angeles. He is an associate professor of music at Los Angeles Harbor College, where he specializes in commercial music, teaching music industry courses such as “The Business of Commercial Music,” workshops for song writers, and Choir and Commercial piano and voice.
Byron freelances as music director, studio musician, arranger and producer. He has worked with numerous artists ranging from Wynton Marsalis, Barbra Streisand, and Barry Manilow to Clifton Davis, Bebe Winnans and Daryl Coley. He is the owner of Onyx Music Publishing, where his choral works have sold thousands of titles throughout the country and the world.
Smith currently holds the office of National President of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.
Macedonia Baptist Church in her 107 years has had one of the nation’s most celebrated church music departments. This evening the rich tradition of music and worship returned to the historic sanctuary located in the Watts community of Los Angeles.
Voices In Praise blended their 20 individual voices in unison and captured the admiration of the delighted audience while lifting praise beyond the heavens.
VIP is a ministry of men and women are committed to effective use of the ministry of music to enhance the corporate worship experience of MBC. They strive for excellence in communicating the “Good News” through a mixture of contemporary and traditional music. VIP can be heard on the 2nd Sundays.
Tony Hardy, Music Director at Macedonia lead the “House Band” in worshipful accompaniment of VIP while igniting the sanctuary with the excellent musicianship.
Hardy, a native of Richmond, Virginia, is a film composer, certified Platinum Music Producer, who has written and produced for artist such as Destiny’s Child, Macy Gray, and Carmit Bachar(Pussycat Dolls).
With a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Theory and Composition combined with an extensive knowledge of Pop and R&B Music, Tony adds a unique blend of classical scoring and popular electronic music.
In addition to Hardy on the Keyboards, the “House Band” comprised of Darren Kelly, Bass, Calvin “Joonie” Gary, Organ, Donald Causey, Drums.
Lifting their voices in praise were, Ida Holland, Anesha Kelly, Karen Kelly, Tonie Moss, Glorita Ray, Bernadette Sims, Lakybra White, Kyna Williams, Sylvia Bennett, Regina Biddle, Trudy Dorsey, Dorothy Esters, Shellise Jordan, Stephanie Killum, Briahan Moses, Timothy Davis, Jr., Gloria Grice, Larry King, Kim Neal and Melvin Whittington.
Rev. Shane B. Scott serves in the capacity of Lead Pastor.
Photo Credit: Michael Reel/Reel Urban Images
