The How Sweet the Sound Choir Competition hit Atlanta’s Philips Arena Monday, keeping spirited onlookers entertained and uplifted. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless and hosted by Grammy Award-winner Donald Lawrence, this year’s competition will span 11 cities nationwide. The winning choir will receive a cash prize of up to $50,000 and the title of best church choir in America.
“These types of events are very important to the community for Verizon Wireless because it’s a great way of communicating and connecting with our community on a local level,” says Crystal Born, customer service director for Verizon Wireless. “At Verizon Wireless our goal is for our community to take away our commitment and appreciation for music that inspires so many people from all walks of life.”
Started last year in Memphis, Verizon Wireless competition has expanded to include Philadelphia, St. Louis, Detroit, Houston, Chicago, Oakland, Los Angeles, Newark and other cities. In Atlanta, several choirs hit the stage for the best large choir and small/medium choir competition-rousing audiences with electric renditions of “Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
“I decided to be involved in this event because I believe that it’s time for gospel music at the local level to be acknowledged and recognized,” says Marvin Sapp one of the competition’s judges. “Now they’ll be pushed to the forefront on the national level, so it’s exciting.”
Alongside national radio personality/community organizer, Corey “CoCo Brother” Condrey and Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, Hezekiah Walker, Sapp is enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in Verizon Wireless’ inspiring event, mostly because of its ties to the community.
“I think it inspires the community because everyone wants to see their local groups recognized,” Sapp adds. “It’s exciting that we have the opportunity to travel across the country and allow the nation to see where many of us that are national recording artists were birthed out of.” – j.h.
