“As we begin preparations for our 25th season”, says Karen Burke, Director, “we wanted to make the opportunity available for talented Christian singers to experience the joy that we have in sharing Jesus through the powerful medium of gospel music.”

The Toronto Mass Choir rehearses at least two Friday evenings a month in North York and performs about 20-25 concerts annually. Burke describes being in TMC like “having a part-time job with no pay, but all of the benefits that an award-winning, Christ-honouring recording and touring gospel choir have to offer!”

Presently, TMC has 30 singers and a 5 piece band in performance. Toronto Mass Choir has toured and performed in 8 different countries over the past 10 years and so far have recorded 8 albums.

Toronto Mass Choir will travel to Romania this July 2012 (read more here!) with a team of 52 including singers, musicians, staff and clinicians.

To get more in-depth biographical information, read their Statement of Faith and to see an outline of the audition process, visit our FAQ section.

Interested candidates in the upcoming May 5th auditions should send an e-mail to info@tmc.ca with the subject line: INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP.

TMC’s last mission trip to Romania in 2005 included ministry to gypsy children at the Children of Promise Centre, along with several concerts in churches. As well, those concerts in concert halls that were taped for television remain a regular feature on national Romanian television stations.

This time, TMC will have the opportunity to not only present concerts, but also to teach gospel music at a choir festival and present the first ever ‘Power Up’ Romania. ‘Power Up’ is a unique gospel music workshop presented annually in Canada by TMC for those interested in developing their musical skills and learning more about how to perform gospel music. This unique two-day workshop and mass choir experience now comes to Romania!

The invitation to return to Romania strongly matches the mandate of the Toronto Mass Choir which is “To create and perform gospel music which draws all people into the awesome presence of God”.

Karen Burke, Co-Founder and Director of Toronto Mass Choir since 1988, says, “We are just months away from our 25th anniversary season and love the opportunity to provide mentorship and support, as well as offer quality recordings, teaching and performances of God-centred gospel music around the world.”

The choir will travel with 40+ people including singers, musicians and Power Up clinicians. Each person has agreed to raise their own support to travel to Romania this summer. In total, the choir will have to raise over $90,000.

If you have any other questions about this mission trip to Romania and/or would like to make a one-time donation, please visit http://tmc.ca/support-tmc or call us at 905 794 1139.

TMC is a not-for-profit organization able to offer tax receipts along with our thanks!

Toronto, ON – The Juno-Award winning Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) is holding their eighth annual PowerUp gospel music workshop with more workshops, new clinicians and a new location. With workshops like “Vocal Boot Camp”, “Stage Presence for Soloists”, “Discovering the World of Drama” along with workshops on instrumental technique, PowerUp offers registrants the opportunity to learn more about the gospel music industry and performance practices. The PowerUp workshop will take place on March 2-3 at Toronto’s York University and culminates in a final concert on March 4 at Kennedy Road Tabernacle at 7pm.

Come out and learn how to write better songs, play acoustic guitar, perform in drama and dance – and also participate in the large mass gospel choir. Spend time learning great gospel music and meet people with the same passion. With over twenty workshops offered this year, there is sure to be something for you. Everyone who loves the arts is invited to take part in what will surely be the most fun weekend of the year!

Participants from across the GTA agree:

“Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to participate in Power Up 2011. I was moved by the knowledge I gained. Singing in the Power Up Finale Concert as part of a mass choir made up of hundreds of singers was electrifying!” –   A.P.

“There were so many excellent workshops, we didn’t get a chance to do all of the ones we wanted to do. This means we will be back next year for sure.” – Linda.

The Toronto Mass Choir’s PowerUp Gospel Workshop began in 2004 and has grown over the past eight years to involve noted clinicians such as James Linderman, Amoy Levy, Cassandra Sommers and Richard Peters. Scott Jackson (Life 100.3) and multi-award winning solo artist Ali Matthews will join a 5-member industry panel, another new workshop for those interested in learning more about the gospel music industry.

Moving to the north end of Toronto, PowerUp is holding its workshops at York University’s Accolade East Building – an arts facility with fully outfitted classrooms, a state of the art keyboard lab, dance rooms and enough ‘break-out’ rooms to accommodate all of the new workshop offerings! The finale concert is being held this year in the beautiful performance space of  Kennedy Road Tabernacle located in the heart of Brampton, ON. Join Professor Karen Burke and the Toronto Mass Choir and experience the joy of singing high energy, dynamic and spirit-lifting music in a gospel choir.

The PowerUp Weekend is $55 per person, while students and groups of ten people or more can attend for only $45 each. Visit www.tmc.ca/powerup to register today.

Tara Burke
Burke Music, Inc.
Springdale Square
Brampton, ON

On November 2, 2011, a twelve member team left Canada to fly to Poland to present the first ever ‘Power Up’ Gospel Music Festival.

Andrzej Gorski, Founder of ‘Pro Novis and his team are dedicated to seeing Poland sing gospel music!  And sing they do.  This team has being working diligently and has grown their output to present over 10 workshops annually in different cities all over Poland.  To date, those workshops have consisted of bringing one or two gospel music directors from North America, teaching 9-10 gospel songs to mass choirs numbering in the hundreds (one over 1000!) and presenting them in a huge finale concert.

The idea of presenting a festival where there is instruction in various aspects of gospel music along with mass choir rehearsals was birthed by Terry Bridle and inspired by our very own ‘Power Up’ festival that TMC has been offering annually for the past 7 years. (Power Up 2012 will be Mar. 2-4!)

Our team consisted of myself and Terry along with gospel artist/instructors Amoy Levy, Nicole Sinclair-Anderson, Cassandra Sommers, music directors Ryan Resmer and Jared Erhardt, choreographer Gregory Hines and our support team consisting of Joel Erhardt, Jeremy Anderson, Ginny Bridle and Oswald Burke.

Together, we worked with a choir of about 400 and also offered a variety of small group sessions/workshops.  The team was also showcased in a concert featuring the instructors and local gospel choir, ‘Gospel Joy’ to open up the 3 day festival.  The event was capped by a 3 hour concert on Sunday evening attended by a huge enthusiastic audience.

After the festival, Andrzej sent this message:

Thank you for praying for Poland this weekend. We felt it!

Transformation of Poland is in progress – kids, youth and

adults were impacted! Some are already inviting us to their cities and parishes! Many, many conversations, trainings, discussions, tears, sessions, discipleship moments took place in just 2,5 days! I guess we’ll never know about the impact but faith and personal testimonies were shared during: 18 sessions, 3 concerts, 3 different gospel music workshops, mentoring sessions and countless informal conversations.

During our debriefing session, all of our team expressed how impacted we were by the entire experience.  It was truly life-changing and we know that God had chosen to use us in a powerful way to touch those in attendance.  Your prayers were definitely a huge help to us during this jam-packed but exhilarating weekend. It was truly a privilege to witness what took place during those few days.

Although Oswald and I have been many times to Poland (the Bridles actually lived in Poland for quite a long time), the rest of the team, except for Ryan who had gone a couple of years ago, did not now what to expect.  We were definitely struck by the obvious commitment and compassion that was at work by the over 60 volunteers who worked to put together this huge event.

When TMC travelled to Poland in 2008, part of our opportunity was to mentor, ‘Gospel Joy, a gospel choir established by Andrzej and his sister.  Their understanding of gospel music and the inner workings of a gospel choir were limited.  It was, however, a real joy to see their growth since 2008 and believe me, when they ever come to Canada, all will be amazed to see how professional and dynamic this young gospel choir has become.  They have already recorded several CDs and 2 Live DVDs and their musicians are stellar!

Again we were reminded what is possible when God is in it!   From the moment that God gave us the green light to go on this missions trip, we have received so much support and for this, we thank you.  Most importantly, Poland is a different place today because of this Gospel Power Up Festival with over 350 participants from all over Poland including kids, youth and adults.  Andrzej and his wife Ania will also lead follow- up Bible studies after the festival.  Your prayers and support are still essential!

One quote from a leader of 20-member youth group in attendance says it all:

“Your hard work, smiles, goodness, eyes, in which one couldn’t see tiredness, eyes which had strength and power, joy and love – this was true testimony for us and confirmation to each word you talked about Jesus” –Lidka

 On behalf of the entire team, thank you so much for your continued support!

Blessings,
Karen Burke

‘Power Up’, now in its 8th year, is the brainchild of Karen Burke, professor of music at York University and the co-founding director of the Juno Award-winning Toronto Mass Choir. now in its 24rd season.  As well as maintaining a busy concert schedule on the road with both the York University Gospel Choir and the Toronto Mass Choir, Burke hones her skills as an educator and clinician by offering workshops in churches, community workshops and educational institutions alike and in places as far away as Poland.

Burke’s skill as a gospel choir conductor for over 30 years allows even singers with no prior experience to learn gospel music in a massed choir setting and to participate in the Sunday finale concert accompanied by a live rhythm section.

The 2012 workshop information will be available in late Fall. Please check back for details!

“It proves to me that God has a sense of humour,” Andrew’s mother Anne said. “Andrew is just thrilled. When I told him, he was grinning from ear to ear.”

Andrew has helped raise over $83,000 by asking family and friends to donate a loonie or toonie to his cause instead of buying him cards and presents for his birthday.

The money has helped Cal Bombay Ministries of Brantford establish co-operative farms in Southern Sudan that enable its citizens to be self-sufficient. A children’s wing of a hospital built in Sudan by Cal Bombay Ministries is named after Andrew.

Andrew’s quest to help free Southern Sudan from domination by the north started after he watched a 100 Huntley Street program hosted by Bombay. Andrew, who is mentally challenged due to Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, was touched by the plight of Sudan’s citizens.

“I don’t know why Andrew was so struck by it, but he wanted to donate money so the people wouldn’t go hungry,” Anne said. “It’s made a huge difference between people starving and not starving to have those farms up and running.”

Andrew has a lofty goal for this year’s party, which will feature Toronto Mass Choir.

“He thinks this year he is going to hit the $100,000 mark,” Anne said.

People from the community are chipping in to help Andrew reach his goal. A local potter will sell his wares at the party and donate proceeds to the cause. Eskimoo Joe’s in Paris is donating ice cream to go along with six birthday cakes being baked by Home Baking by Carolyn.

“We’re hoping for 500 people,” Anne said.

Anne pays for the parties out of her own pocket, but is uncertain if she will be able to afford to continue after this year. She works in student health services at W. Ross Macdonald School and isn’t sure how much longer she will have her job.

She is proud of Andrew for what he has accomplished.

“He is mentally challenged because of a rare syndrome,” she said. “Considering what Andrew has managed to do with his life, I don’t think it matters. It is amazing.”

Andrew’s 13th annual Save Sudan Party will take place Saturday, July 9, at 7 p.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church, 112 Scott Ave. in Paris. The public is invited to attend to help Andrew reach his goal. Admission is free.

Text borrowed from original article here: http://www.brantnews.com/news.cfm?page=news&section=read&articleId=10860

When: Friday, February 4, 2011 and Saturday, February 5, 2011

Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Doors Open at 6:00 PM

Who: The Evolution of Gospel Music

Where: 1250 Markham Road, Scarborough, The Global Kingdom Ministries

Toronto, ON, January 11, 2011 – Black History Month launches with an exhilarating and inspiring musical production, The Evolution of Gospel Music.   In collaboration with the Juno Award winning Toronto Mass Choir, The Evolution of Gospel Music stage production will have 2 evening shows and one Friday matinee at 10:00 AM for students only.

This powerful musical production journeys from the early days of Negro spirituals, through the turmoil of the ’60s, to today’s contemporary urban music scene.  The production boasts a phenomenal cast representing some of the best Canadian actors, dancers and gospel musicians; and celebrates the music of Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland and other iconic artists.  In addition, special guest artist Diane Clemons, wife of Mike “Pinball” Clemons, will make her first appearance in the production bringing her powerful and soulful voice to the cast.

Actor and stage director, Aadin Church, (known for his roles in Miss Saigon and The Lion King), said, ‘in its 3^rd year as a Black History Month event, this is a must see production for all.  It dynamically depicts a triumphant legacy that spans the early days of Negro spirituals to today’s urban music scene -inspiring and enlightening audiences every year.’

‘There’s a whole history that most people don’t know about. Putting this production together for the 3^rd consecutive year and using it as a tool to educate people is a labour of love for us’, said Karen Burke, co-founder of the Toronto Mass Choir and a York University professor.

To meet their goal of positively impacting the local community, the production will donate a part of the proceeds to UrbanPromise Toronto, a local charity that helps children and young adults reach their potential and achieve success through after school programs and mentoring.

About The Evolution of Gospel Music

This riveting musical production is in its 3^rd year.  In 2009 and 2010 audiences of over 1,500 people were moved and energized by the power of the production acted out over a period of more than three centuries.  Audiences will enjoy two evening performances on Friday, February 4, 2011 and Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM; students are welcome to attend a special matinee on Friday, February 4^th at 10:00 AM.  Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door; student group rates are available.

Visit www.evolutionofgospelmusic.com for tickets and more information or call 905.794.1139.

Toronto, ON – The Juno-Award winning Toronto Mass Choir’s seventh full-length album features popular Canadian recording artists such Mark Masri and Londa Larmond. However, one addition to the album has everyone talking. Carvin Winans, of the legendary Winans family, is featured on the Christmas favourite, “Silent Night”. The album, “A Christmas Gift” was launched at Agincourt Pentecostal church at a CD release concert on November 21st, 2010.

As part of the widely successful group, “The Winans” with three of his brothers, Carvin Winans wrote the hit, “Tomorrow” and sang with the group for 15 years. Since then, he has led a thriving solo career that included singing background vocals on Michael Jackson’s 1988 hit “Man in the Mirror”, writing songs for stars like Regina Belle, Whitney Houston and Peabo Bryson, and hosting “All Access with Carvin Winans” on WDIV TV for two successful seasons.

Settling in Toronto in the last few years, 5-time Grammy award-winner, Carvin Winans connected with the Toronto Mass Choir, and they are thrilled to feature him on this latest release. “It’s a dream come true to have this great man of gospel on this record,” says Karen Burke, director and founder of the Toronto Mass Choir, “Carvin brings that distinctive ‘Winans’ sound to the song “Silent Night” and it was our pleasure to collaborate with him on this project”.

The Toronto Mass Choir is dedicated to creating music that will draw people into the awesome presence of God. The album, “A Christmas Gift”, is available through www.tmc.ca, amazon.com, CDBaby, Itunes and Ontario Christian bookstores.

Visit www.tmc.ca for more information.

This unique theatrical presentation was conceived and directed by a powerhouse team including Toronto Mass Choir director and York University professor, Karen Burke, Gospel music producer, Corey Butler, and singer/actor/producer, Aadin Church (The Lion King, Miss Saigon). EGM’s phenomenal cast represents the best of Toronto’s singers, musicians, actors and dancers and this year also welcomes beloved gospel artist, Diane Clemons to the stage.

Fans of this show will notice new elements as the journey this year pays special tribute to recently passed gospel legend, Walter Hawkins and takes the audience on a musical journey from Thomas Dorsey to Tye Tribbett!

All performances take place in the beautiful theatre space located in Global Kingdom Ministries, at 1250 Markham Rd. (Markham/S. of 401) in Scarborough, ON at 7:00 p.m. For a limited time, special promotional tickets are available for only $20!

Visit www.evolutionofgospelmusic.com to purchase special VIP tickets including a special Christmas promotional VIP package which includes one adult ticket and TMC’s new Christmas CD, ‘A Christmas Gift’.

Why not purchase a CD/EGM VIP Ticket package as a Christmas gift for the special people in your life?

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.evolutionofgospelmusic.com.