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Brenda Marie Turner’s vocal artistry seamlessly spans classical, jazz, musical theater, gospel, pop, and neo-soul. A featured soloist for opera, oratorio, art song, studio recordings, and television broadcasts, Brenda is in demand as a backing vocalist who is prized for her versatility, solid musicianship, and sheer vocal beauty.
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Brenda divides her time between the USA and Europe, performing regularly in the States, throughout Germany and Italy. She has been seen recently as Orpah and Haggeman’s opera, Ruth, in a collaborative production by Pegasus Opera and Southern Illinois University, Nella (Gianni Schicchi) with Bronx Opera company, a soloist at the Berlin Philharmonic, with 4Spiel String Quartet, members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Nairobi Girls’ Chorale (Kenya), and the Kumasi Evangel Choir (Ghana). She has toured with German Pop Sensation Sarah Connor as a backing vocalist and featured artist, toured with Rev. Gregory M. Kelly and The Best of Harlem Gospel as a lead vocalist, and vocally supported a myriad of German stars on televised concerts and variety shows. Learn more here.
Mrs. Kathy Ford’s love for music began when she was only six years old. Her father was a singer, and when he attempted to practice at home, he enlisted the help of his daughter, having her play the piano as he sang. Her desire to play the instrument grew as she began taking piano lessons the following year. She continued her talent through middle and high school, where she constantly practiced to refine her skills. She went on to attend Syracuse University for college, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Music Education.
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After marrying her husband, she moved with him to Detroit. While he played basketball for the Detroit Pistons, Mrs. Ford went back to school to pursue her master’s in Piano Performance.
During this time, Mrs. Ford began her career of teaching piano lessons by tutoring some of her peers. “I’ve been teaching since Columbus landed in America,” she jokes, speaking to her years of experience. “Teaching is only half of what I do.” Along with all of the lessons Mrs. Ford teaches, she is a professional piano accompanist for many groups throughout South Jersey, such as the Holy Spirit High School Choir, the Atlantic City High School Choir, the Stockton University Oratorial, and the Gateway Playhouse. She also plays for local shows, solo singers, and instrumentalists.
Bishop Charles R. Lyles was divinely called to establish a ministry dedicated to reaching the rejected, the downtrodden, the confused, and the distressed. From that calling, Victory Deliverance Temple was founded—an anointed ministry that has since become one of the most impactful in the Atlantic City area. As the ministry’s vision expanded, it evolved into Victory First Presbyterian Deliverance Church, marking a monumental milestone in the history of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through this transformative movement, countless lives have shifted from religious tradition toward a genuine desire to know God intimately and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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Bishop Lyles’ accomplishments are extensive. He has recorded with Savor Records, Sweet Rain Records, Nashboro Records, and Messiah Records, and has actively participated in the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Men of Promise recording projects. His musical collaborations include serving as a musician and background vocalist for the late Reverend Isaac Douglas, as well as performing alongside legendary gospel artists such as Rev. James Cleveland, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, Pastor John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin & The Family, Pastor Hezekiah Walker, The Winans, Pastor Daryl Coley, Dottie Peoples, Pastor Richard “Mr. Clean” White, Pastor Walter Hawkins, Bishop Ronald F. Brown, Evangelist Dorothy Norwood, Bobby Jones, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and many others.
Bishop Lyles’ ministry extends beyond the United States, reaching audiences across the globe. For over three months each year, he ministers internationally in both word and song, having shared the Gospel in London, over 65 cities in Germany, multiple cities across Switzerland, France, Austria, Holland, the West Indies, and Israel.
Bishop Lyles is blessed to share his life and ministry with his devoted wife, Pastor Diana Lyles, who faithfully co-pastors alongside him. Together, they are the proud parents of six wonderful children, the grandparents of thirteen cherished grandchildren (two of whom have gone on to glory), and the great-grandparents of three precious great-grandchildren (two now resting in the Lord). Their love and care extend far beyond their immediate family, embracing a beautiful, blended family that transcends blood and reflects the boundless love of Christ.
Dr. Beverly Vaughn is Professor of Music, Vocal/Choral Program Coordinator, and an affiliate faculty member of the Africana Studies Program at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, She is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of Pine Forge Academy, La Sierra University in Riverside, California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, and The Ohio State University where she completed both her Master of Music degree and Doctor of Music degree - both in voice performance. While at Ohio State, she studied primarily with Maestro Mario Alch. This was followed by study in New York. In addition to the winning many local and regional awards and competitions she won while studying at The Ohio State University, Beverly was also awarded a Corbett Foundation Fellowship for operatic study in New York City. While there, she studied with Madame Marinka Gurewich and coached primarily with Maestro Martin Rich. She later studied and coached with other internationally recognized teachers and coaches including Frau Hilde Zadek in Vienna; Dame Eva Turner and Maestro Geoffrey Parsons in London; Mme. Sylvia Lee in Philadelphia as well as with Maestro Franco Iglesias. Maestro Larry Woodard and Maestro Wayne Sanders in New York City.
Prior to joining the Stockton music faculty, Beverly Vaughn, a mezzo-soprano, made her operatic debut in as the Strawberry Woman in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the Graz (Austria) Opera followed by her debut as Nicklaus in Hoffman’s Erzahlungen (The Tales of Hoffman) with the Vienna Volksoper. She also received international critical acclaim for her performance as Hannah in the world debut of Sir Michael Tippett’s The Ice Break at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden under the direction of Sir Colin Davis. She also received accolades for other operatic appearances such as her portrayal in the title role as Carmen in Opera Harlem’s seven-month, 11-country European tour of Carmen Jones. Beverly has appeared with regional opera companies and orchestras in both the United States and Europe as well as in concerts and recitals and is a frequent featured guest on social media platforms, local and international radio, television. She also has selected publications.