FESTICCA 2012 --Chorales participantes --- Infos
Calvary Methodist Youth Choir --- GHANA
ven, 06/04/2012 - 20:12 | 
Bobs
HISTORY OF CALVARY METHODIST YOUTH CHOIR
Some Thirty-three (33) years ago, a Sunday school teacher, Ms. Grace Imbeah Hudson, from the Calvary Youth Fellowship made public her dream of forming a cultural group to occupy the Sunday school children with activities on Saturdays. The aim was to get them away from the usual social vices when not in school.
Experts from the Arts council were brought in to teach the kids cultural dances while they did the drumming on Saturday afternoon.
What started as a cultural group then metamorphosed into a junior choir with children; the ages between 7 and 12 years.
A special mention and thanks go to Brother D.W. Arthur and Charles Dontoh among others who handled the children; teaching them bible lessons while they waited on others before practice could start but under the supervision of the MYF.
To be able to teach the children Hymns, the church choir was given the responsibility of managing the children but they were always left on their own till the founder relocated and their handling became difficult.
The management of the children then shifted to Sis. Hope Acquah, a chorister but the then President of the Calvary Youth Fellowship. In the Process, Bro. Richard Vanderpuye, an assistant Organist was detailed by the choir to take charge of the choir and more serious work began since organ playing helped them learn faster.
His support also short lived since he had to join the Ridge church; but the choir could sing beautifully in parts and the learning of staff notation had even started.
The church with the support of the choir Patrons saved choir robes for use. The joy of seeing the little ones in robes increased their numbers but with added responsibilities.
Through the instrumentality of Maj. Rtd Abraham Sam, a parent to about two of the children and Mr. J.E.K. Taylor, a Patron; one Mr. G.E Kwami; (a Lecturer at the school of Music, Winneba) was contracted to handle the junior choir at their own cost and he travelled every Saturday to teach and back. Noticing the level of their singing, Mr Kwami revised his pieces to 3 parts (Soprano, Alto & Tenor) and made things easier for the children since they could not sing the Bass.
Activities began to improve and performances began to move from the Sunday school to the main chapel to Parties organised by Patrons and well wishers.
In 1998, a Patron saved and donated to the Junior choir, a set of ceremonial robes during the celebration of the celebration of the choir’s 20th Anniversary: which robes remain the current one in use; having also been adopted by the Association of Methodist church choirs (GHAMCC) as the robe for all Junior Choirs in the Connexion.
It must be placed on record that the dramatic change from the humble beginnings to when the choir shot fame was under the able management of Brother Benjamin Akomanyi Richardson assisted by Brother Michael Imbeah around the year 2000 as Music Directors.
Over the past seven plus years till date, the Calvary Junior Choir has been ranking tops in the country under the Directorship of Brother Michael Imbeah with the support of Brother Charles Nii Amusah and Brother Nana Bissue-Hinson and Chaperoned by some caring Patrons who have been the main pillars of support to the choir.
Till date, the choir has about four recorded albums to its credit and has featured both locally and internationally as follows:-
NUMERICAL STRENGTH
Sixty (60) talented young singers whose ages range from thirteen (13)-thirty (30) years.
MAJOR LANDMARKS
Performed in ex-president J.A Kuffour's residence on his birthday.
Performed at an OAU summit at the ICC
Performed at a Musical explosion as part of the 170th anniversary of Methodist church Ghana.
Won the Royalty Investment competition
Performed major classical works with da National symphony orchestra - Christmas oratorio, Haydn’s creation, Christmas concert at the Conference center and National Theater respectively.
Performed to da delight of all at the Methodist expanded GPC held in Calvary
The host choir for Methodist headquarters carol service
Performed during Cal bank's 20th anniversary thanksgiving service at the physicians and surgeons center.
Featured as the host choir for William Ofori-Attah memorial lectures.
Performed at the launching of the centenary celebrations of William Ofori Attah.
Host choir for national insurance commission's activities.
Performed at a fundraising event in support for Kidney Patients.
We salute all who helped to make Calvary Methodist Junior choir and now known as Calvary Methodist Youth choir by fans of the choir, what it is and celebrate the Leaders and entire membership for still keeping up the good work.
