Florida Worship Choir & Orchestra featured in nationally released recording

Jul 30, 2010
By BARBARA DENMAN
Florida Baptist Convention

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—A national recording of “God of the Ages” performed by nearly 350 Florida Baptist musicians has been released by Prism Music Publishing in Nashville.

The Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra, composed of worship leaders from across Florida Baptist churches, premiered and recorded the collection of songs featuring inspirational ballads, a touch of gospel, new settings of old songs, contemporary worship, and a men’s a cappella piece.

The CD will serve as a resource for church leaders throughout the nation interested in performing the musical collection in their worship services, according to Terry Williams, director of the Florida Baptist Convention Church Music Department.

“We are the only state group to be asked to do something of this magnitude which will have long-term national impact,” Williams said.

The collection of songs was recorded earlier this year by the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra during a concert at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz after it was premiered in concert at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. A third concert in April was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater.

“This is such an eclectic collection, rhythmically-driven yet balanced with modern hymns and songs originally recorded by well-known artists including Mandisa and Chris Tomlin,” said Williams.

“God of the Ages” was arranged and orchestrated by nationally acclaimed recording artist Mark T. Bovee. It was produced by Williams along with Todd Bell, minister of music and worship at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

Several of the songs feature Florida Baptist soloists: “I Will Give You Glory” by Jordan and Kayla Grizzard, Church of Hope in Ocala; “God of the Ages,” by Eva Pike, First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland; “Bless the Lord,” by Stephen Wells, First Baptist Church in Lake Butler; and “Oh Crimson Flow,” by Joshua Vickery, Winter Park.

Soloists also include: Pedro Linares, First Baptist Church in Eustis, “Without the Cross;” Todd Stearns, First Baptist Church in Naples, “I Will Rise;” and Brandy Miller, McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, “Not Guilty.”

Others songs in the collection are “Realms of Glory Bright,” “Even Me” and “The Precious Love of Christ.”

The Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra is composed of 386 musicians—209 women and 177 men—from 238 churches across Florida who serve as worship pastors, senior pastors and laypeople.

“These musicians represent churches from all over Florida—from Key Largo and Naples to Tallahassee and Pensacola,” Williams said. People are driving “long distances and making great sacrifices to participate in this ministry.”

Their next concert is 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Copies of the CD are available for $15 from the Florida Baptist Convention Church Music Department. Call 800-226-8584, ext. 3062 or 904-596-3062.

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