The Second Annual Verizon Wireless "How Sweet The Sound" church choir competition ended this weekend with the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir, Atlanta, GA, taking home the title of "The Best Church Choir in America." The competition is an opportunity to celebrate the unique ways that music connects people within communities.
During the grand finale, held on Nov. 7 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir walked away with not only the title, but a cash prize of $30,000. Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir also won the V CAST People's Choice Award and a $5,000 cash prize when, during the grand finale, audience members were asked to text their votes for their favorite choir.
The Remnant Concert Choir from Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., was named runner-up and received a cash prize of $15,000.
Gospel artists Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole and Byron Cage helped judge the choirs. Songwriter, producer, arranger and music director Donald Lawrence served as emcee, and singer, songwriter, producer and actress Lisa Kimmey-Winans served as co-host. The evening also featured special performances by the legendary Clark Sisters, Brother Hahz, Kurt Carr and special guest James Fortune.
According to a press release, Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir plans to use the prize money to record a live CD in 2010. This will be their first recording. Brandon Frazier, music director for Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir said in the release, "How Sweet the Sound does everything first class. It's been a once-in-a-lifetime experience participating and to win -- I'm still taking it in. It's an amazing feeling and has already opened so many doors for our choir."
For more information about the Verizon Wireless "How Sweet The Sound" choir competition, visit the competition website.
(photo caption: Verizon Wireless' How Sweet the Sound co-hosts Donald Lawrence and Lisa Kimmey-Winans announce "The Best Church Choir in America" for 2009, Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir, and the runner up, The Remnant Concert Choir. (PRNewsFoto/Verizon Wireless)
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