The University of Central Oklahoma Ebony Gospel Choir was a college based choir/organization on campus. That's where all the magic started, with Phillip and Jeremy taking over the college choir, they built the choir year after year with improvements in vocals which cause the choir to break out of the normal "college gospel choir" shell. As God would have it, he led us to host our 5th Annual Gospel Extravaganza in April 2005. It grew so much that we had to move it off campus into a big church, that was also the first year for us to have a national recording artist as our MC. We invited Mr. Gary Mayes (Big Bro Ike Turner lol) from Houston, Texas to be our guest. Without going into major details, by the end of sound check hours before the concert even started G. Mayes was on the mic telling us about his new label NuWorldMuzic and how he wanted us to be apart. After giving God the highest praise with shout and dance, and more shout, and a lil more dance Gary spoke more to us. G. Mayes saw something unique and special in Phil, Jeremy, and the choir. He also knew that there had to be a seperation between school and a professional choir so he came up with the name Phillip Thomas and Anointed Praise and we all agreed that the name should stand. Sooooooooo.......with all that said, Phillip and Jeremy have prayed and selected about 24 young, saved, and anointed (just like our banner says) individuals to be apart of A.P. (Anointed Praise) Most sing or sang with the Ebony Gospel Choir with a few OKC singers in the mix. We're bringing a fresh new style, sound, and spirit to gospel music and letting the Lord do what he does best, and that's MOVE within and through us! We are doing a demo due to be released this early Summer (YES it will have Psalms 100 on it because everyone keeps asking about it) and an Mid East tour in March and June, so be on the lookout because Phillip Thomas and Anointed Praise is on the surface. Please keep us in your prayers that God uses us for his specific purpose. MINISTRY FIRST! We're serious about God and what we do for Him. We love everyone that has supported us thus far and are looking forward to sharing the kingdom with you all.
Who is Phillip and Jeremy Thomas? Both born in Muncie, Indiana to two God fearing parents, Pastor and Sis L.S. Thomas. With the transfer of their father's job in the mid-80's, Phillip and Jeremy moved to Oklahoma City, Ok. They both began the love music at a young age. They both started taking piano lessons while Jeremy also improved on the drum set and learned of his gift of "Perfect Pitch". Further along in years Phillip and Jeremy were put in the position as head of the music department at Greater Concord Missionary Baptist Church where their father became the pastor at the ages of 13 and 12. There, they learned how to direct the choir, teach songs, and master the musicianship. During this time Jeremy excelled on the instruments learning to play the drums, organ, keys, and bass. He and Phillip played for Edward Buckley and Unity In Spirit in the late 90's where they trained with Edward and Barry Buckley musically and vocally. Upon Phillip's graduation and Jeremy completing his first year in college they both enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma in Fall 2001. While the Ebony Heritage Ensemble at the time was getting ready to be shut down from lack of leadership and support Phillip and Jeremy stepped up to take over the program. Phillip became the director and Jeremy the music director. In 5 years with the help of God, they have molded the now Ebony Gospel Choir into what it is today. Vocal training, skill levels, and technicality have all increased under their leadership making E.G.C. one of the most sought after choirs in Oklahoma. Phillip has many workshop concerts under his belt and is in high demand as a guest clinician. He is now the Oklahoma Southwest Region choir director for The Full Gospel as well.
Jeremy (MD) has had the opportunity to play professionally on all 3 instruments, bass, organ, and drums with many Nationally known gospel and jazz artist such as, Joey DeFrancesco, Dorinda Clark, Twinkie Clark, Kim Burrell, The Truthettes, Vashawn Mitchell, Myron Butler, Malcolm Williams, RiZen, Bishop Paul Morton, and many many more. He was just honored here in July 2006 with being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and being the YOUNGEST one to do so.
If you would like to know more information about Anointed Praise or booking, please E-mail us at: [email protected] or you can contact the Business Manager (Joe Thomas) at (405)921-3566 or (Keisha McGee) at (405)922-8634
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