Raise Productions Choir Biographical Sketch

Raise Productions Choir was formed in 1986 specifically to perform the Choir Revival City-Wide Festival. After this performance, the members established a permanent group. The members of Raise Choir represent several different churches, choirs, and denominations who come together to praise the Lord in song.

Under the direction of Dr. Raymond Wise, the Choir performs a varied repertoire of music, including spirituals, choral music, hymns, and traditional and contemporary gospel music. This unique repertoire has allowed them to perform in many exciting musical settings. Raise Choir has performed extensively throughout the United States and abroad in Germany, Portugal, Austria, and Romania.

Raise Choir has appeared on radio and was featured in a one-hour Christmas special entitled "A Raise Christmas." Raise Choir has performed at the Lancaster Arts Festival and served as the chorus for the world premiere of the Opera Columbus' production of "Vanquis." Raise served as the chorus for the Columbus Symphony production of Hannibal Lokumbe's "African Portraits." Raise Mass served as the Ethiopian Chorus for the Opera Columbus Production of "Aida." Raise has also received numerous gospel music excellence awards, including the Governor's awards for musical excellence.

Over the years, Raise has performed background vocals for numerous national recording artists (Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, Kim McFarland, Luther Barnes, Mimi Redd, Diana Ross, Ron Richardson, the Rinat Choir of Israel, and others) and appeared in touring gospel musical productions (The Gift with Kenny Rogers, A Mother's Love),

Raise Choir released an album entitled "Jesus You Brought Me" and a CD entitled "New" on Sound of Gospel records as a national recording group. In 1999 Raise released the recording "A Raise Christmas." In 2001 Raise released the recording "It's Time To Go" featuring Raise Mass Choir and Raise National Mass Choir. In addition, raise recorded two CDs of hymns from the early nineteen hundreds on the Jambalaya/Tyscot Label entitled the "Bridegroom Songs I" and the "Bridegroom Songs II." In 2005 Raise released a CD entitled "Classic Raise: The Best of Raise Choir," which features some of their most popular songs from the past 20 years. Raise also released a recording of a cappella concert spirituals entitled "21 Spirituals for the 21st Century." Raise is currently preparing to release a recording entitled 'Still Raising Gospel Music Higher" in celebration of its 35th anniversary.

As you listen to Raise Choir you will notice that they are not just a musical group but a ministering group. So open your hearts and receive a blessing as you enjoy the musical ministries of Raise Choir.

 

ABOUT THE MINISTRY

The main reason for such versatility within Raise's musical repertoire is for the sake of the ministry, for it is Raise's goal to reach "ALL" men for Christ. They not only aim to reach a segment of the community but the "total" community. That is why they are called a "Total Choir." They believe in "Total Music" and "Total Ministry," which has allowed them to go through many doors to minister that might otherwise be closed if they were not as versatile.

While Raise has an educational focus, all of the Raise performing groups are ministering groups that aim to make a difference wherever they go. They consider their concerts to be "musical revivals" rather than mere concerts, for their unique musical ministry includes singing and personal witnessing, testimonies, songs introductions, prayer cell groups, alter calls, and one-on-one counseling. As a result of their obedience and faithfulness to ministry, literally hundreds of souls have been saved, healed, and delivered at their concerts.

So as you listen to this recording, we encourage you to meditate on the words, look up the scriptures provided upon which the songs are based, and then open up your heart to receive a blessing from God. We believe that your life will be changed.

 

ABOUT THE MUSIC

All of the music performed by Raise Mass Choir and Raise National Mass Choir is written and/or arranged by Raymond Wise except some of the standard choral literature performed by the Choir. Raymond Wise's music is designed to bridge the gap between the traditional and contemporary music worlds and the academic and gospel music world. His music combines older and familiar gospel songs and themes with news and contemporary beats while incorporating classical music themes and performance techniques to Gospel Music. The greatest blessing of all is that his music is anointed, word-based, and contains solid encouragement messages for the listener.