WORLD-CLASS PROGRAMS THAT PRODUCE WORLD-CLASS LEADERS
The Voices of Unity Youth Choir (VOUYC) is a dynamic and vibrant choral ensemble that unites youths aged 7 to 19 from diverse backgrounds in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.
Established on July 9, 2000, by its director and life coach, Marshall White, VOUYC transcends the traditional choir experience by providing a comprehensive development program designed to nurture, educate, and inspire young individuals for their future roles in the world.
As an artistic collective, VOUYC creates a learning environment where students delve into the heart of mainstream soulful music, including genres like blues, jazz, spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel, praise and worship, R&B, pop, country, hip-hop, and select rap. Education on these styles’ cultural and historical roots is integral to the program, fostering an authentic performance ability and a deep respect for the diverse influences that shape music in America.
Beyond musical theory, the VOUYC is committed to providing rigorous artistic and stagecraft training, emphasizing vocal skillfulness and solo performance skills, all within a curriculum that demands excellence. Members also gain invaluable perspective through international travel, encountering various cultures and viewpoints that enhance their global awareness.
OUR CORE
PRINCIPLES
The essence of VOUYC lies in its unique approach to fostering youth development. The choir distinguishes itself from conventional choral groups by prioritizing the profound elements of personal growth and character development, offering a detailed exploration of these dimensions through its programs.
Personal Growth Over Activity
Prioritizing the development of values and character over mere participation in activities.
Long-Term Transformation
Focused on creating lasting and positive changes in youth that extend into their future.
Holistic Development
Promoting the growth of all aspects of a person—emotional, social, intellectual, and artistic.
Character Building
Central to the program is the development of strong character traits such as integrity and leadership.
Preparation for Life
Equipping youth with life skills and a mindset to handle life’s challenges.
Nurturing Talent
Talent development is secondary to personal growth, with a supportive community that helps polish and perfect talents.
Parental & Student Commitment
Emphasizing the crucial role of commitment from both students and their families for successful growth.
Artistic Exposure
Providing exposure to art that enhances not just technical skills but also emotional expression and cultural understanding.
Real-World Opportunities
Offering real-life experiences with professionals and performances to broaden horizons and inspire ambition.
Supportive Community
Building a supportive environment akin to a second family that fosters belonging and self-worth.
Guidance & Support
Providing comprehensive support across various domains to reinforce learning and skill development.
Financial & Resource Investment
Ensuring access to necessary tools and resources for success, including financial support to remove participation barriers.
MAJOR
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
VOUYC has garnered widespread acclaim for their stirring performances in some of the most prestigious venues in America, including the renowned Carnegie Hall and Minskoff Theatre in New York City, Cincinnati Music Hall, and the iconic RCA Dome and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.
Their artistic reach has spanned the globe, enchanting listeners in the storied cathedrals of Riga, Latvia, Austria, Hungary, and Italy, culminating in a profound performance at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The VOUYC’s collection of accolades is adorned with five gold and one silver medal from the World Choir Games, along with the prestigious title of World Grand Champions in gospel music at the 2010 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China. Such remarkable achievements have earned recognition from the U.S. Senate and Indiana General Assembly, celebrating their victories in the 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Choir Games. Competing internationally has allowed them to experience the rich tapestry of choral music from over 90 countries, enhancing their understanding of the global cultural landscape.
The choir has taken center stage in high-profile events, delivering the National Anthem at the NFL Kick Off on national television with R&B artist Kesha Cole and working alongside legendary artists such as Kirk Franklin, Roberta Flack, Josh Groban, Wyn Starks, and Heather Headley. They’ve also performed in harmony with stars like John Mellencamp, Stephen Stills, and Kelly Clarkson. Their passport stamps include seven countries, marked by a memorable mass at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica.
Supporting their vocal skillfulness is a band directed by esteemed national musicians, including Dr. Tyron Cooper from Indiana University, Los Angeles’s Lance Tolbert, Earth Wind & Fire’s Myron McKinley, and Chris Byrd of Toledo, OH, enriching the choir’s performances with their profound musicality.
Behind the scenes, the Unity Performing Arts Foundation has ushered over 450 students through the doors of 95 colleges nationwide, with many pursuing further education overseas. UNITY is proud of the over 325 college graduates who have progressed from its ranks, with many alums returning to give back to the community. UNITY alums have gone on to illustrious careers on Broadway and in the professional music industry, making their mark in business, healthcare, education, nonprofits, government, and many more sectors.
The influence of UNITY stretches well beyond its immediate programs as its alums step out into the world to lead, educate, mentor, inspire, and entertain on both national and international stages.
MARSHALL WHITE
Music Director, Voices of Unity Youth Choir
Marshall A. White, Founder and CEO of Unity Performing Arts Foundation, Fort Wayne, IN, and Director/Life Coach for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. UNITY is a multi-faceted performing arts organization focusing on developing young people in character, artistry, and leadership and promoting soulful arts education, training, and performances in choral music, dance, drama, creative writing, oratory, and instrumental music.
In July 2000, he launched the organization’s first of six artistic programs, the Youth Choral Program (The Voices of Unity Youth Choir). In addition, The Voices of Unity has performed on national television with R&B sensation Keyshia Cole at the NFL 2007 Kick-Off Celebration for the Indianapolis Colts. They shared the performance stage with John Mellencamp, Stephen Still, and Kelly Clarkson. They also performed for several Indianapolis Colts games and events, including the VIP ceremony for the Lucas Oil Stadium opening in 2008.
In 2010 he led the Voices of Unity Youth Choir to their first international competition as representatives of the United States of America. They won the World Grand Champion title and two gold medals at the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China. In 2016 they traveled on their first successful four-country concert tour. The 2016 European Tour included: Italy, Vatican City, Austria, and Hungary. Visited and performed in Rome, Vatican City, Lido di Jesolo, Sacile, Florence, Venice, Vienna, and Budapest and performed a special mass at the Vatican, the tour’s highlight.
He has directed choirs for special events and projects with artists such as Michael Bolton, Clifton Davis, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Michael English, Sandi Patti, Barry Manilow, Heather Headley, Paul Anka, Josh Groban, Livingston Taylor, and Roberta Flack. He has performed for notable organizations and businesses such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, United Way, K&K Insurance, Time Services, Youth For Christ, and countless others.
He enrolled at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, where he studied Electronic Technology and later took courses at IPFW in vocal and music theory. Years later, in 1984, he enrolled at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and received direct training under the renowned jazz pianist, the late Willie Pickens.
He has received numerous prestigious awards for his visionary leadership in Fort Wayne and abroad.
Marshall has three children, Markeyta, Kamia, and Evan White, and a stepson Chad Blackmon and married to Cynthia White since 1994.
