Jones Marks 20 Years at Grant AME

Arvis Jones

Arvis Jones is known in the Los Angeles Area as the Western Region Director of the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) and also as assistant director of the Center for Grief and Loss for Children. She is the founder of the Center's Children's Grief and Loss Choir.

However, on Sunday, June 12, at 3 p.m., Jones will be directing the Junior Choir as she has done for the last 20 years at Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church. With many members now grown up, the Junior Choir of Grant will have a 20-year reunion with past members returning to sing at this event.

The theme of the concert is ‘The Promise Fulfilled.' The special guest will be the New Spirit Nation Youth Choir.

"Everyone is invited to come out to support these young people and enjoy an afternoon of wonderful spiritually uplifting and joy filled music," said Rev. Dr. Vernon Burroughs, senior pastor, and Byron J. Smith, minister of music.

Recalling her tenure at the church, Jones said, "I was asked to come to Grant to direct the choir by the late Dr. Don Lee White, one of my mentors. It has been truly an honor to work with so many incredible young people.

"This renowned choir has performed all over Southern California including such venues as the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, the Pasadena Civic Center Auditorium, and the Beverly Hills Hotel for the Jackson Family's honor to Michael Jackson."

As a music therapist and mentor to many young people, Jones views music as a way to help youth increase self-esteem as well as learn discipline, responsibility and commitment. "In the church setting, my choirs learn that their commitment is to God first, the church congregation, the choir, their families and their selves," she said.

The versatile choir will perform songs of various genres from ‘Magnify The Lord' by Virgie C. DeWitty to ‘Revolution' by Kirk Franklin.

Grant A.M.E. Church is located at 10435 South Central Avenue in Los Angeles. For information, call (213) 924-3510.

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