CHANTEL RENEE WRIGHT is a native of Chicago, Illinois, where she started her career as an award winning choral conductor. As part of her undergraduate studies, she studied in Swiss Cottage, England with Ian Pleeth. After completing her BA degree at VanderCook College of Music in Music Education, she headed to Atlanta, Georgia where she served as a music educator in the Dekalb County Public Schools. She boasts of superior rated choruses at Chamblee and Dunwoody High School that had the privilege to perform at Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, while in Georgia, she was responsible for the youth music ministry at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, home of the late Dr. Martin Luther King. The South was beautiful, but the bright lights of the big city called her name and she responded. Upon her arrival to New York, she took on the challenge of being the Director of the Girls Choir of Harlem, as well as Minister of Music at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, New York.

 

One of her greatest accomplishments here in New York came about with her work as the Artistic Director of the Queens Symphony Orchestra Youth Gospel Choir. Her work with the orchestra encouraged her to incorporate her own non-profit organization, SONGS OF SOLOMON: An Inspirational Ensemble, Inc. In a very short period of time the choir bloomed and has been seen on the Early Show on CBS, won the 1st place prize in the McDonald's Gospelfest at Madison Square Garden, the choir was featured with Kelly Clarkson of American Idol on the NBC 4th of July celebration, placed 1st place in the Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition, they have toured Chicago, Atlanta, and California, closed a concert for Ashford and Simpson at the Apollo.

 

2003 led the organization from Queens to Harlem where the Ensemble held its debut concert at Aaron Davis Hall featuring recording artists, Twinkie Clark, Lorraine Stancil, and Melonie Daniels. The Ensemble has performed with Elton John at Radio City Music Hall, opera great, Jessye Norman, at the Greenbrier Country Club and with American Idol, Fantasia Barrio for their second appearance on the NBC, Macy's 4th of July Celebration, but most of all, the choir is committed to spread the Good News. Being totally committed to youth and their individual artistic growth, Chantel works diligently as the Program Director of the SONGS OF SOLOMON ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS which directly serves students of the Professional Performing Arts High School in instrumental and vocal music. A select group of students had the honor of performing for President Clinton as he delivered the commencement address at the PPAS Graduation. The choirs have performed the Bach Magnificat in D at Carnegie Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. As the former conductor of The Dorothy Maynor Chorale, the group was featured with Reggae superstar Buju Banton at the world famous Hammerstein Ballroom as part of his latest recording “Friends for Life.” The Dorothy Maynor Chorale was also featured at the Beres Hammond Concert at Madison Square Garden.

 

Building a literate youth music community, Chantel lends her gifts to the members of Marble Collegiate Church where she teaches Sunday School and directs the youth choir. Marble Collegiate has hosted Youth Choral festivals under Ms. Wright's direction that incorporated the Marble Youth Choir, SONGS OF SOLOMON, The PAC, and Quintessent Voices of PPAS. Her work with the Archdiocese's Office of Black Ministry as a cantor, plays a special role in her life as she led the music for the funeral of Cardinal John O'Connor. Ms. Chantel Renee Wright is the recipient of the New York Times Teachers Who Matter Most Award, Who's Who Among American Teachers, and the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Award. She is a lover of God, music and children and has dedicated her life to the pursuit of all three.