A MINSTREL'S BIOGRAPHY
(PIANIST, TEACHER, MUSIC PRODUCER, SONGWRITER & SPEAKER)
Alton Merrell, a native of Warren, Ohio, is a pianist extraordinire, music educator, music producer, songwriter and composer. At the tender age of six, Alton's musical journey began playing the drums and piano at New Jerusalem Fellowship Church where his father Alton Merrell, Sr. is the pastor. He also served as Director of Music at New Jerusalem directing the music ministry for twelve years beginning at age sixteen. For four years, Alton was a professor at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. He taught jazz piano, theory, keyboard, improvisation, and jazz combos. Alton presently serves as the director of Covenant Church of Pittsburgh's Fine Arts Academy, a Christian arts school that offers training in music, dance, and drama to students of all ages. He is also a pianist and choir director at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Bishop Joseph Garlington is the pastor. Alton is the CEO of the music company, Ministrel Enterprises. He is the founder of WIND, an instrumental and vocal ensemble incorporating diverse musical styles and lyrics, whose aim is to edify, strengthen, and lead people into the presence of God.
Alton holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz and Classical Piano Performance from Youngstown State University graduating Cum Laude. He also holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Youngstown State University. He will soon begin doctoral studies to obtain a Doctor of Musical Arts degree.
Alton has received numerous honors including: YSU Jazz Quintet Member of the Cultural Exchange Jazz Group performing in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, China (Summer 2004) where a number of Alton's compositions and arrangements were performed. YSU Jazz Quintet Member of the Cultural Exchange Group performing in Beijing, China (Summer 2002.) Selected to perform in a master class with world renowned jazz pianist Danillo Perez at TRI-C Jazz Festival (2002), Featured pianist in classical and jazz genres at the Dana School of Music's Showcase Concert (1999), Tri-C Jazz Festival Special Performance Citation from city of Warren's probate judge Thomas Swift and the International Association of Jazz Educators, Recipient of Outstanding Performance award with Y.S.U. Jazz Ensemble I in Big Band Category of the 2000 Down Beat magazine student music awards.
Mr. Merrell has ministered with Christian/Gospel artists Martha Munizzi, Mary Allessi, Israel Houghton, Parachute Band, Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, LaShunn Pace, Rev. Timothy Wright, Michael Brooks, Lisa Page Brooks and Parkes Stewart. He has also been seen several times on the nationally televised Bobby Jones Gospel Show. Mr. Merrell has also performed with jazz artists: Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Phil Woods, Marvin Stamm, Maria Schneider, Kenny Burrell, Billy Pierrce, Conrad Herwig, Leslie Lewis, Frank Foster, Roger Humphries, Steve Houghton, and Jim Rupp. He has also been a member and soloist with, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland State Jazz Heritage Orchestra, YSU All-Star Alumni Jazz Ensemble, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, and the OMEA Intercollegiate All-Star Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Merrell's current CD entitled "You're The Reason" won the 2005 American Gospel Music Award for "Best Gospel Jazz Artist of the Year" and was nominated for "Best New Producer of the Year."
Alton and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ALTON'S CURRENT CD
Click CD Above To Purchase Today!
MUSIC SAMPLES FROM CD
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PIANO PLAYING VIDEO CLIPS
Alton Merrell & WIND Playing "Invitation"
WEBSITE: www.altonmerrell.com
James Johnson Drum Solo on "All The Things You Are"
Alton Playing a Solo on "The Looking Glass" Live In Beiging, China
WEBSITE: www.altonmerrell.com
Alton Playing A Solo On "Blue Bossa" During A Masterclass In Beiging, China
WEBSITE: www.altonmerrell.com
Alton Playing Intro To His "Redemption Waltz" Live In Beiging, China
WEBSITE: www.altonmerrell.com
Alton Merrell & WIND Playing "Get Yo Praise On"
WEBSITE: www.altonmerrell.com
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