Tri-County Workshop Choir History - Dawson, Ga (Mary E. Coleman-Harris

Tri-County Workshop Choir (TCWC) may be new to the recording industry, but it is not new to the gospel. The choir recently celebrated twenty years of singing praises unto the Lord which inspired its latest production and release of the "WE WORSHIP HIM" CD. The project is dedicated to our Lord and Savior for richly blessing the choir for 20 years.

TCWC is based in Dawson, GA, 180 miles south of Atlanta in southwest GA. Members are from local and area churches and choirs of surrounding counties. The choir is based at Raines Baptist Church in Dawson, GA. Southwest Georgia has supported the choir and its endeavors since September 1983 when Mary Coleman-Harris, a long-time soloist and lover of gospel music felt the community needed to know more about praising God and singing gospel music. She sought the support of directors, musicians, and choir members who also shared this desire. After 20 years of singing praises to God, over 50% of its membership is still made up of original members from 1983.

TCWC consist of approximately 50 members. These members are from several counties. The number of counties has increased from three to nine, but the choir kept its original name. The diversity of ages ranging from 16 years to 78 years of age emulates the choir's vision not to be labeled according to age, but be accommodating to all who want to worship the Lord through songs. TCWC considers its members as family and strive to treat each other as a family member. The goal of TCWC is simple, to prepare and equip members to sing the gospel through workshops that are presented at least twice a year, followed by a concert. Participants learn new singing techniques, voice control, and new songs. The workshop also allows area musicians and vocalists an opportunity to expand, share, and showcase their gifts through songs giving praises to the Lord. The mission is to "Seek and Save" those who are lost.

The choir is non-profit organization and members pay their own expenses to participate in workshops and tours, which the choir has made for many years. These tours have taken TCWC to many states including Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., Florida, Mississippi, & Louisiana. We have been blessed to tour these areas many times with invitations to return. Tri-County performed with gospel recording artist Dorothy Norwood in 1993 as a celebration of 10 years in existence.

TCWC has been blessed with many dedicated directors and musicians. Dr.C.B.Cody, directed TCWC for 13 years. Two other original musicians, organist Charles Clark and percussionist Ralph Smith remained with the choir for 15 years. Mr. Derrell Johnson, an original keyboardist, is one of the directors of the choir and co-producer of the "WE WORSHIP HIM" CD. Mr. Johnson is well known throughout the southwest Georgia area as an anointed vocalist and director of other gospel groups as well. Derrell wrote and co-wrote several songs on this project with TCWC. Mr. Chevalier "Tom" Coleman also serves as director of TCWC. Along with Derrell, Chevalier wrote and co-produced Tri-County's latest effort. Mr. Coleman is a talented artist with many gifts. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he majored in Music Production and Engineering, and has produced many projects in the local area as well. Tom is also the CEO of "Abouthemusic Inc." Mr. Winfred Crawford is an original and accomplished saxophonist for TCWC. Our present percussionist, Mr. Donnie Johnson, and bassist Jermaine Hall, exemplify what we look for in musicians; dedication and commitment. Young in age, they come with many years of experience from families that have produced talented musicians.

The success of TCWC has been contributed by much prayer, support of the community, and local churches who have opened their doors to the choir for many years. We are blessed to have the covering and leadership of an anointed
man of God in Rev. Raymond Andrews, our Spiritual Advisor,
and Evangelist Elizabeth Hylick who has served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the choir for many years.

It is our prayer that everyone who purchases a copy of the "WE WORSHIP HIM" CD, be truly blessed in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Enjoy!