IUP Voices of Joy myvictory.org

I can't tell you the last time I read or heard a positive story involving a College or University. Recently we were shocked by the tragedy at Virigna Tech as well as the countless stories of Universities dealing with sexual assaults and Alcohol related issues. Every time an athlete, student or teacher gets involved in bad or criminal behavior, there follows a series of school examination/documentaries. Should the media cover these stories? Absolutely.

Here' a story about one College Choir and has taken almost 20 years to develop. Led by Dr. Rev Melvin Jenkins and Rev. David Hanson, the IUP Vocies of JOY choir has been a beacon of light for Indiana County and surrounding communities. Now on the heals of their debut CD and DVD, the IUP Voices of Joy have etched in stone a marker. This marker represents all that have gone before, the hardships, fellowships, friendships, etc al,

The students themselves represents a vast range of cultures, talents, skills, hopes, and faiths captured forever in this journey called "There is No Turning Back" Now you can view some of the clips by clicking the links below. You can also share your comments so that world can see them. Most importantly you can share the links with friends and family.

One of the goals of this project is to take it National. If you can help, we'd love to hear from you.

It takes a great deal of resourses and funding to take that step. So please take a moment to check out the clips, visit the website and share a comment. The "No Turning Back" project is good news. It's important news when it comes to what has been happening on this particular campus for more than 2 decades. We do hope that you purchase the CD when it comes out in a few weeks. Right now, you can order the DVD sampler for a small donation. All that is received stays here in Indiana County. I've had the pleasure of getting to know them, videoing them, laughing with them and practicing with them. It's been a pleasure and a growth experience. They have been blessed and you will too, once you realize that there is NO Turning Back.

For more information follow the links below.
view DVD clips

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0foh32vGaQw
Portal
http://www.myvictory.org/
Thank you for reading,

http://www.arts.iup.edu/share/fac.html - Melvin Jenkinss

Melvin A. Jenkins, choral director, is currently an associate professor and educational advisor in the Department of Developmental Studies at IUP. He is the founder and director of the IUP Voices of Joy gospel choir and has been involved with a number of gospel groups in the Philadelphia area. Dr. Jenkins is a self-taught musician and song writer with over thirty years of experience in gospel music. He is also an accomplished musician, having mastered the saxophone, guitar, drums, bass, and vocals. He is currently working on a CD project with the Voices of Joy titled “There is No Turning Back” scheduled for release later this year.