BIOGRAPHY & EXPERIENCE

I began singing at the age of 4 years old in a little country town called Bells Fork, right outside of Greenville, NC.  My mother recognized the gift and did all she could to make sure I had access to every possible avenue I needed to exercise my voice.  Even at the age of 89, she is still is my biggest fan.  We later moved to Greenville, NC - where I attended Elementary through High School.  I was involved strongly in chorus in every school I attended, taking on the position of soloist in each group.  I was greatly inspired by my oldest sister Dorothy Joyner "Dot."  Her "angelic" voice carried her as far as New York.  She is still my most precious mentor. 

As I grew older I studied under professional voice teachers who helped me develop my instrument.  One being, Mrs. Alice Clemons (now deceased) who was my vocal coach/teacher from late elementary and junior high school on thru high school.

As a youth, I was trained vocally by Dr. Steven Koch.  I sang in many venues, to include community functions, garden parties, school chorus/musical productions, opera performances, foreign languages, country music festivals, gospel music workshops and festivals, not to mention Governor's Honors.  I honor and appreciate Dr. Koch "today" for all he exposed me inclusive with my training.  My destiny was being made at that time in ways I didn't even know. 

I accepted Christ at the age of 17 and serve, honor, and love Him with my life.  For well over 34 years now, I’ve directed gospel music choirs, groups and ensembles, lead worship, coached vocalists and done solo performances and concerts.  I am currently a resident of Columbus, GA and have been now for over 24 years. 

Married to Timothy Childree.  Tim handles all my media (recording, streaming, commercials, etc.)  I have 3 fine sons:  Tony (21), Duane (25) and Ty (27) years, all of whom love music just as much, if not more.  I have worked many recording projects with other artists.  One very exciting event I well remember was when our church choir did the soulful rendition of Handel's Messiah with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.  It was a moment I will never forget.  I was privileged to sing "He Shall Purify" the Soulful Messiah rendition.

I firmly believe that everyone has been given a special gift of some sort.  It is up to that individual to find out what their gift is, perfect it and use it to benefit mankind.  It is my challenge to help achieve that goal as it applies to singing.

I tell all my students that I cannot give them something they don’t have.  I can only help them improve on what they do have.  I charge them to take care of their voices properly if they want it to serve them and sound good a long time.  This is my passion and I strive very much to be an example of what I teach.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPERIENCE

I have served on full-time staff now for over 15 years at North Highland Church, Columbus, GA as Music Assistant to Music/Fine Arts Pastor, John D. Skipper and  Administrative Assistant to Robert French, Church Administrator.  I hold a degree in Business and thoroughly enjoy working in business as well as in music.  I am also a seamstress of over 34 years.  I have and will continue to work faithfully at my home church (North Highland) as long as the Lord permits me to.  I love my job and serve very passionately in what I do.  Yet I look forward to what God has destined for me in His kingdom.  He holds my future in His hands.

-I have been a soloist in the North Highland Church Sanctuary Choir now for over 19 years and currently coach other soloists, groups and quartets at North Highland.   The McWilliams Quartet, a Ladies Trio, a Male gospel quartet and a Ladies Quartet (of which I have been a part now for over 16 years).

MY MOST RECENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

At present.  I continually involve myself in community outreaches, missions, ventures, etc. 

Beginning February 2012.  I will begin a vocal workshop at Sight Seeing Road Chapel, Fort Benning, Georgia.  We are excited about this new outreach and are expecting great things at SSR Chapel.  Contact:  Norma Allen.

January-February, 2012. Vocal workshop at For All Nations Church, Columbus, GA, Pastor Kuturi Edwards.  This is an exciting church with singers passionate about God and singing.  These singers gel very well together vocally.  Their desire for improvement keeps them pushing and pressing towards perfection every week.  God is doing wonderful things at For All Nations Church.  They will be moving into their own building in March of 2012.  I can't wait to see what happens each week we meet. Visit them on the web at www.forallnationschurch.com

September 16 & 17, 2011.  On Friday, September 16th, the LV Studio of Voice sponsored a "Night of Gospel" featuring Nadine Coker, Leroy Mason, Dr. Woodrow McWilliams, III, the McWilliams Quartet and the NHC Gospel Quintet. This occasion was held at Gateway Church, 3702 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, GA.  Theme:  "Bringing it  Ole School with some of your favorite gospel songs from some very talented singers.

On Saturday afternoon, September 17th, 2011, Mrs. Childree spoke for an annual Women's Day Fellowship held at Gateway Church.  Many women were blessed, strengthened, challenged and encouraged as she shared her story and a very special message.

August-October 2011. Utilizing my contacts with many church choirs and soloists. I was given the honor of assembling and directing an international, interdemonational, interracial mass choir for a citywide Unity Service held Sunday, October 23, 2011.  Many distinguished guests were there to include Many local Pastors, Military guests, Mayor Teresa Tomlinson, City Councilman Pop Barnes and other dignitaries. We had an overflowing house and a wonderful time of fellowship around the dinner table following this awesome service.  This was an experience I shall always remember.

Hispanic Worship Team of North Highland Church.  7300 Whittlesey Blvd. Columbus.  Their passion to learn and be good at what they do is so energizing.  I looked forward each week to discovering new and exciting things about them.  We worked on vocalizing as well as ear training.  They want so much to give God their best offering.  We got so caught up in what we're working on that many times we forgot what time it was.  These folk are family to me.  Not to mention I got a chance to work on my Spanish a little.  God has great things for this worship team of singers.  Their hearts are definitely in the right place.

Gateway Church, of Columbus, Georgia.  Pastors Loyd & Pat Johnson.  This ministry is now over 2 years old and is growing by leaps and bounds.  God is doing an awesome work.  Let's Vocalize is helping this ministry initialize a worship team with the hopes that this group will be the beginning of a sanctuary choir.  The energy an enthusiasm of this group is singers is awesome.  Their desire to perfect the gift of vocalizing draws much out of me; but this is good.  They have just purchased their new building and are anxiously awaiting the grand opening.  God has great things in store for Gateway Church.  Visit them on the web at:  http://104213.agchurches.org/

(A One-Day Workshop) Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, Phenix City, AL.  This group consisted of children, young adults and adults.  It was a wonderful mixture of enthusiasm, passion and experience.  This church has at least 4 choirs, Children, Young Adults, Male Chorus and the Sanctuary Choir.  Their Minister of Music was James Barton, who relocated here from the Atlanta/Marietta, Georgia area.  James is an old friend and very talented musician. 

2008-2009.  Life Changing Church, 4605 Langdon Street, Columbus, Georgia.  I am thoroughly enjoying each week with this group of singers.  Their passion, commitment and desire to give God their best is soooo evident.  Pastor Tony Banks is a humble, precious man of God and is actively involved in each session.  Contact:  Anita Lawrence.

I performed a Children's Vocal Workshop at The Rock Family Worship Center in Huntsville, Alabama in the Fall of 2008.  (Pastors Rusty & Leisa Nelson.)  This workshop was in the words of the children "AWESOME."  We had over 40 participating in this workshop.  We learned new music and challenged every child to commit and re-commit their lives to Christ so they can give him back an even greater gift.  Click Here to see pictures and some video footage of that workshop.  David & Jackie Smith (Children's Pastors).  Contact: Sonya Merritt, friend, recording artist and Children/Youth Music Director.  www.therockfwc.org

County Line Baptist Church, Upatoi, Georgia.  This beautiful county church is full of singers who want to offer God their best gift.  I eagerly looked forward to working with them every Saturday afternoon.  I continually pray God's best and His will for this precious church.  There are truly some special people there.  Contact:  Jeanette Bunkley

"Seasonal" Private Vocal Coaching.   I coach a total of about 15 students privately in the weekday evenings between the hours of 6:00-9:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and on Saturday afternoon/evenings. 

-February 24th - April 7th:  Iglesia de Dios, Nuevo Pacto (Hispanic Church).  4421 Primrose Road - Columbus, GA.  Contucted a 7-week workshop to help install and provide structure for their beginning worship team/choir.  Contact:  Diana Torres.  Visit their website at:  www.nuevopacto.org

-February 3 -April 21st:  6-week Workshop New Hope Revival Ministries, 3668 Lee Road, 379, Smith, Alabama.  This is a small assembly; but boasts a web presence all over the world.  Their service is streamed in many nations. This are some of the most anointed and talented people.  This church holds a very special place in my heart.  It is much like home for me and is where I steal away to when I need to hear a special word "in season."  Pastor:  Steven Shelley.  Contact:  Marybeth Weems.  Website:  www.revival.org

-January 6-February 10th:  6-week Workshop with Oasis International Church, 800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, Phenix City, Alabama.  Pastor:  Wayne Babbs.  A wonderful multicultural, talented blend of singers and musicians.  It was a pleasure working with this group.  Contact, Worship Team & Choir Director is Mrs. Ernestine Wells.  Website:  www.oasischurchint.org

-Fall of 2006:  Small Group Coaching with NuBeginnings Gospel Ensemble,  Director Brian Roberts.  I formerly coached NuBeginnings in 2004 when I taught private voice at the Greater Columbus School of Music.  Website: www.nubeginning.org   

-Fall/Winter of 2004 - Taught Private Voice Lessons at The Columbus School of Music, 3803 Macon Road, Columbus, GA. Founded and operated by James & Amy Gosnell.  Website:  www.gcsmusic.com

-1999 Served 5 months at North Highland as interim Choir Director until present Music Pastor, John D. Skipper was hired. (May -September)

-1997 Prepared a group of students from Woodall Psycho educational Program together to form “Voices of Unity” to perform for a Partners in Education Ceremony and a Muscogee County School Board function.

-1993-1997.  Joined staff at Columbus State University, Schwob Department of Music as secretary to the Music Faculty. Sang for various university functions and non-university functions held at the University. Served on various committees.  Many letters/notes of thanks were given by Dr. Frank Brown and other constituents.  I also had the privilege of working very closely (even vocalizing) with the voice instructors; namely, Dr. Jon Bartlett (deceased), Dr. William J. Bullock, Meg Stecker-Runde and Dr. Shirley Brumbaugh.  During this timeframe I was also a member of the Columbus Chorale directed by Dr. Bullock.

-1995-1996.  Coached large ladies ensemble and other soloist(s) at North Highland for Statewide Fine Arts Festival. This same group of young ladies rated superior and went on compete at a National level in Springfield, Missouri. This trip was very educational for us all.

-December 1995.   Coordinated a joint concert combining the North Highland Sanctuary Choir and The Columbus Symphony Orchestra during the Christmas Season performing Handel's Messiah "A Soulful Celebration"  Directed the NHC Sanctuary choir for this special performance held at the Three Arts Center.  Special Solo Performance:  "And He Shall Purify," by Tramaine Hawkins.

-1994-1995.  Worked for about a year for international recording artist (Vernessa Mitchell) as personal assistant. Ms. Mitchell relocated to Atlanta, GA.  I learned much about the recording industry and business while working with Vernessa.  She and I are very good friends and still in touch today.

-1970. I’ve sang and directed a host of choirs, groups and ensembles over the years. I began directing choirs at the age of 18. I served in this capacity in every church I worked with. (Tabernacle of Victory-Greenville, NC; Philippi Church of Christ-Greenville, NC; Maranatha Christian Center-Kinston, NC; PTI Chorale (during my college years, I directed the chorale.)  Cuthbert Youth Revival Ministry-Columbus, GA; North Highland Assembly-Columbus, GA.

-1996 - present.  I continue to serve as Vocal Judge in the Statewide Georgia District Assembly of God Fine Arts Festival.  I generally have students I personally coach involved in this event also.

-1997 Joined staff in the Music Department at NHA under Gregg Kennard, former Music Pastor.  Acted as mediator to orchestrate a concert at the Three Arts Theater with George Del Gobbo, conductor of The Columbus Symphony Christmas Concert singing Handels Messiah (new messiah & soulful messiah renditions). I directed the North Highland sanctuary choir during this concert.

-1992-1994 Columbus Redsticks Baseball Games - singing the National Anthem.

-1987-1989.  Choir Director and Worship Leader at Cuthbert Youth Revival Ministries, Buena Vista Road, Columbus, Georgia.  Pastor:  Tommy Cuthbert (now deceased).

-1983-1987.  Choir Director and Worship Leader at Maranatha Deliverance Center, Kinston, North Carolina.  Pastor Willie S. Darden.  Relocated thru military to Fort Benning Military Base in 1987.

- 1980-1983.  Youth Choir Director at Phillippi Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Farmville Blvd. Greenville, North Carolina.  Pastor Randy Royal.  During this timeframe I also traveled extensively coaching vocals and working with groups, soloists and choirs and workshops throughout the state of North Carolina. I married into the military and moved to Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station (Havelock, NC) in 1983.

-1978-1980.  Choir Director, one of the lead soloists and worship leaders for Tabernacle of Victory Interdominational Church, Greenville, North Carolina.  We made our first live recording in the late 1979 singing lead on "Jesus Paid It All." 

-1974-1977.  High School student and Student of Voice under Dr. Steven Koch, Greenville, NC

-1975-1977.  Sang with a Ladies Gospel Quartet called "The Gospel Emblems."  This group gave me my boost into performing on the church stage.  We traveled and ministered almost every weekend for at least two years.  I thank God for Ms. Peggy Cox, Jackie Cox and Carolyn Cox for allowing me to use my vocal gifts to the max.  They will always be "family" to me.

-1974.   Governors Honors Candidate (Winston Salem, North Carolina)
 

-1967-1973.  Sang in Elementary school choruses, performed lead solos in junior high and high school chorus and in my church choir.


RECORDING PROJECTS
———————————————————————————————————–
-1978.  First Recording with The Voices of Victory Choir - Greenville, NC
-1987.  Studio Recording with Nadine Coker - Columbus, GA
-1994-99.  Performed numerous studio recordings with Gregg Kennard, former Music Pastor of North Highland, (laying down background vocals for various projects he was working on, as well as recordings for the North Highland Sanctuary Choir.) 

-1996.  TIC Federal Credit Union - TV Commercial Music under the 

  production of Robert Carr of Carr Studio Productions, Front Avenue,

  Columbus, GA

-CB&T Jingle.  (to the tune of Aretha Franklin’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T). 

  Produced by Gregg Kennard.  
 

-1993-1996.  Three (3) North Highland Sanctuary Choir recording

  projects.  Did lead on a songs in each project.

-2009.  Most recent North Highland Project.  New CD released June, 2009

  entitled "JOY IN THE HOUSE"  Solo song: "Your Name."

SANG ON THESE RECORDING PROJECTS between 1993-2009

-Sarita Miller Project
-Mike Murdock Project
-Sandra Wansley Project
-Jake Hess Project
-Keith Davis Project
-Christina Pritchard Project

-North Highland Church - June 2009

  (Lead song on this CD Project "Your Name") 

—————————————————————————————————

* MUSIC PORTFOLIO AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

I have now added public speaking to my portfolio.  This is a new and exciting area for me.  Because of the positive effect my workshops have had on choirs and those involved, I've had the privilege of returning to speak at many of the churches whose choirs I've had the awesome privilege of coaching.