Award winning choir host Black Voices

St Thomas Gospel Choir have won a national award for "Contribution to the UK Gospel Music Industry" in the choir catagory of the PraiseTek Gospel Music Awards 2014. Each year, these awards acknowledge the work of various singers, musicians, choirs, rappers, bands and media personnel working in the UK gospel music scene.

Choir director, Kathy Rufolo and her fiance, Dale Hurrell, who sings bass in the group, went to London to receive the award on behalf of the choir with nearly 50 members.

St Thomas Gospel Choir was established in 2006 and has grown steadily over the years. On receiving the award, Kathy commented, "The founding principle of choir is for adults of all backgrounds and abilities to sing a positive message with joy. We try to ensure the choir is welcoming and accessible to all.

"As a gospel choir, there is going to be "a bit of God" and although many of our singers are members of various Christian denominations we feel that all personal beliefs are ultimately expressions of love. As long as you believe in love then you'll fit right in!"

The choir sing at various local charity events and put on their own concerts. Next month they will be hosting Black Voices, the UK's leading female a capella quintet.

The group from Birmingham will lead a vocal workshop for the choir members during the day before performing their full show in the evening. The choir will join them on stage for a final number. This is the second time that the choir have hosted Black Voices, who will perform an eclectic mix of soul, reggae, African, folk and more.

The power of these women performing together is not to be missed, so expect a sell out show. The concert will be at the home of STGC, St Thomas Methodist Church on Cowick Street, starting at 7:30 pm on Saturday 15th November.

Tickets are £12 (£8 for children/NUS) from www.stgc.ticketsource.co.uk and booking is strongly advised. Tickets on the door will be £15.

Anyone interested in joining or booking the choir is advised to contact kathy@stthomasgospel.org.uk or call 01392 679674 and leave a message. The choir will be accepting new members in January 2015.