The Tribune

Having officially launched a year ago with great success, the National Choir Workshop of the Bahamas is back, hoping to take gospel music in the country to a new level.
In 2011, the organisation birthed from Shaback Ministries International, breaking through denominational barriers to create what would become the largest choir workshop in the history of the country.

The group attracted over three hundred adults from multiple denominations and more than eighty churches, as well as more than four hundred youth from various high schools in New Providence during a special one day workshop.
Clint Watson, NCWB co-coordinator said: “After seeing the success and energy of not only the workshop but the participants, we knew we were on to something great that people saw as a necessity not just an opportunity.”

This year’s workshop which began last night was hosted at the Super Clubs Breezes Resorts conference centre. The finale concert will take place at the Wyndham Resort and Crystal Palace Ballroom.
“This year we are booking conference space, but next year and going forward we hope to also be booking hotel rooms, restaurants, tours and the likes,” said Mr Watson.

“This year we brainstormed about how we could make it even better than before, while keeping the outstanding networking opportunities and personal contact element. Well we think we have done just that,” said Mr Watson. He said they have moved the venue to the resorts in preparation for a major expansion come 2013.”

“ After talking with experts in the religious tourism industry, they saw the national workshop as a major opportunity to get gospel music lovers from around the world particularly the US to come to the Bahamas, for not only vacation but the best in gospel music,” said Mr Watson.

He said the vision is to eventually design a pattern similar to the famous Gospel Music Workshop of America, which attracts thousands annually, including the leading gospel artists of the day.
“It has become a major revenue maker for whichever city hosts the event. It is quite easy to do the same thing here. We not only have the talent, the connection with outstanding international artist, but we are one up on them with the perfect destination,” he said.

The workshop for a second year has attracted leaders in the local music industry who have made significant inroads and impact in the international arena. Joann Callender, Nadene Moss, Ricardo Knowles, Lorna Joy Simmons, Adrian Archer, Audrey Wright, Gail McKinney, Patrick Smith, Edison Sumner, Alvin Moss, Kendall Simmons, Marquista Thompson and Clint Watson are all a part of the lineup of speakers, lecturers and directors. The workshop for the second year has also produced its own manual for the week.
The special publication includes musical tips, teaching, conference agenda and souvenir pages.

“We are indeed grateful to corporate Book World and Stationers, Bishop Neil Ellis, The Ministry of Tourism, Sir Durwood Knowles, and so many other companies and businesses that have come on board as sponsors to ensure that our participants only pay a minimal registration fee of $10. It has always been our vision to give back to the community, removing financing out of the equation,” said Mr Watson.
The 2012 workshop concludes on Sunday with a grand gospel concert. A number of other gospel artists including Singing Bishop and Prophet Lawrence Rolle, Tabernacle Concert Choir, Shaback and many others will join the mega mass choir on stage.