Armed with some of the most potent vocalists and several brilliant musicians, the Spirit of Praise Ministries has stacked the deck when it comes to securing a spot on the “the best of Las Vegas” list.

Since its difficult transition just a year ago when the distinguished lead singer Nina Hooks – one of the group’s founders and its namesake - stepped back to tackle some career requirements, Spirit of Praise Ministries has waged war against the odds of defeat.

“After receiving Nina’s blessings to continue on without her, we prayed, revisited the vision and goals and charted the path,” said Toni Terrell, the group’s marketing and public relations consultant. “There is a lot of talent in this town and in the United States period. I’ve learned that it’s not necessarily the talent that takes you to the next level – it’s the anointing, the timing, the combination and chemistry of the members, and the experience.”

Whether ministering before small groups of mature quartet lovers or thousands of trained choir and chorale directors, Spirit of Praise Ministries is famed for adapting to the musical style of the atmosphere – often times that doesn’t come with the musical gifts. That’s when Rochelle Schoener’s 30 years of experience shifts into second gear.

“You have to know who you’re ministering to,” said Schoener, co-founder and musical director for the group. “If you’re ministering to a group of saints who have been directing choirs for 25 years, Kirk Franklin’s stomp is not going to move their spirits.”

The Chicago-born song bird, who has been directing choirs since age six, has had her fill of starting musical groups and fighting through the ranks of temperamental musicians, long programs, gospel contests and technical training.

Starting at the Academy of Our Lady Catholic High School - where she birthed a 200-voice Gospel Chorus while singing with the school’s concert choir, to Aurora University of Illinois, where she kick-started a Gospel Choir while singing with the Progressive Community Church Choir.

Although the powerhouse vocalist claimed Outstanding Soloist Awards, and was awarded the National Baptist Convention Outstanding Vocalist Scholarship soaring above singers throughout the country, it wasn’t until she began directing for the Chicago Housing Authority Youth Choir and recording with the DT Singers that she earned her true stripes.

“When you work with young people, you find out what you’re truly made of,” Schoener admitted. “You are not just teaching these young people songs, dynamics and music – they are learning how to worship God through their circumstances. They are learning how to represent excellence, honor the craft, and compete in a totally different atmosphere,” she said.

Hence it felt like yesterday when the proclaimed worshipper examined vocal ranges and measured the spiritual sincerity of candidates during an audition process earlier this year. “This is a ministry first and foremost,” Schoener said. “Of course we’re looking for people who can sing, but you must be a worshipper to be a part of Spirit of Praise Ministries. How can you minister if you’re not?”

Schoener, with the help of the Holy Spirit and Minister Kenneth Martin, Jr., a master keyboardist added to the group in January 2009, surgically crafted what now stands as the Spirit of Praise Ministries.

The group includes Patrice Coleman, a crystal clear soprano with supreme recording talent and outstanding pitch; Monique Hawkins, a raspy, powerhouse soprano with a worshipper’s heart; Karen Conard, a soft, seasoned soprano and faithful member; original member Tara Tatum, a true alto who commands the tenor section – both vocally and with exceptional stage presence; original member Sonya Jones, a passionate alto with style and professionalism; Andrea Coleman, a spicy, new generation alto; Darin Scales, a smooth tenor with a fresh flavor; Schoener, a power-packed alto with incredible range; Martin, a Bay Area prodigy with instinctive worship and phenomenal musical talent; Brian James, an explosive neo soul drummer; Shaun Johnson, a passionate and spirit-filled drummer; and Ronnie Johnson, musically creative master-mind and keyboardist extraordinaire.

A blazing 2009, Spirit of Praise Ministries captured the American Music Association’s 2009 Best Gospel Group amidst a staggering list of performances which include 2009 Super Soul Gospel Fest headlining Grammy award winners Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker and the Love Crusade Choir; the 2009 Diversity Fest headlining Neo-Soul artist Lisa McClendon; the 76th National Gospel Choirs and Choruses; 2009 Fremont Street Experience Taste of Soul; Spring Revival 2009 with Bishop Ernestine Reems-Dickerson, and more.

Just recently, the group released two singles from the upcoming CD Healed from Here, with original songs written by Schoener, Martin and Ronnie Johnson. “Our goal is to sing a message of deliverance through Jesus Christ,” Schoener said. “We urge people to claim victory through praise and worship.”

The project will encompass an eclectic style combining traditional gospel, a contemporary aroma and upbeat worship. “This project will have something for everybody,” said Schoener, a fan of traditional music. “But what will separate us from the rest is our ability uncontested combination of talents.”
Spirit of Praise Ministries can best be described as a group that brings unparalleled vocal style, super-infused dynamics and supreme musical flair. “This group is the best I’ve heard,” said Godmother of Gospel Alice Tugwell, radio personality for KCEP Power 88.