------SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC has been an important ministry for more than 70 years. Once simply called Gospel Music, the word Southern was added a few years ago, to set it apart from other forms of Christian music. Such groups as the Blackwood Brothers, Statesmen, Prophets, Stamps, Spear Family, Cathedrals, Florida Boys and others paved the way for the many groups singing this music today. Southern Gospel Music proclaims the message of the Bible in an inspiring and entertaining way. The words are always sung clearly and the music contains beautiful harmony.
Most of the nationally known groups travel extensively in expensive tour buses. Their expenses are tremendous and they need large fees to survive. To help with expenses they have had to eliminate their bands, and use sound tracks or just a piano player for accompaniment. This is not to say that they are not worth the money, but it is out of reach for most to book them frequently.
The Crystal Valley Quartet was recently reorganized to provide performances comparable to the national groups, but without the high cost. CVQ not only has four vocalists who are as talented and experienced as those singing in many national groups, but they are backed up by a live piano and guitar. Their program includes classic favorites, original, and current songs. Their decision to travel mostly within a 200 mile radius of Terre Haute, IN, using more economical transportation and limited overnight stays, makes their concerts affordable.
There is no better way of attracting a crowd than a well promoted Gospel Concert. You can bring in people who enjoy music to your church or other Christian event that would not other wise attend, and often keep them coming. If you are not currently using Southern Gospel, we urge you to give it a try we think you will like it. To those who are, you know what we're talking about.
The Christian men, who make up The Crystal Valley Quartet , are dedicated to this ministry. They will always do their best to present a program pleasing to the Lord and their audience. Please visit www.crystalvalleyqt.com for more information, pictures and sound samples.
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JOHN SHIELDS - LEAD -----------------------------
Singing lead for The Crystal Valley Quartet is John Shields. John joins the CVQ from the little town of Prairieton, Indiana; population 2500 people and 6000 dogs, cats, and chickens (give or take a few). John brings nearly 27 years of singing experience to the table. As a youth, he toured for 6 years in a traveling choir. In his adult life, John has toured for 12 years as a soloist, and the last 9 years as lead vocalist for 3 Southern Gospel Quartets. In his spare time John loves to hike and canoe with his family, which is quite substantial, as he has 4 children, 3 step-children, and 4 wonderful step-grandchildren (prayers are welcomed). In the quiet times John enjoys relaxing with his wife Janie, the love of his life, and maybe taking a slow walk in the park. John loves Jesus with all of his heart and considers serving Him in this ministry to be both an honor and a privilege. "Most people never get to live their dream, but every weekend I do" says CVQ's lead, and I think you'll get a feel for that enthusiasm when you come to a Crystal Valley concert. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BILL HARBOUR - TENOR ---------------------------
Bill Harbour joined the Crystal Valley Quartet in March of 2008. He is from Terre Haute, Indiana, and lives there with his wife Ann. Bill has 2 adult daughters that are married with children of their own, Debbie, and Amy. Bill has a great high range and his harmony is as smooth as they come, this comes from over 30 years of Barbershop Singing. He may be the quiet one on stage, but he knows how to stand out at just the right time. Bill enjoys singing and listening to southern gospel. He also enjoys traveling and really enjoys spending his free time with his family, especially the grandkids! Bill has always wanted to sing Southern Gospel Quartet Music, and he is looking forward to meeting you. Bill has a great love for the Lord, and wants to sing for the Lord any chance that he can get. He has made this his ministry, and gives it everything he has. Give him a listen, I know you will be blessed! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EARL MICHELS - BASS -----------------------------
Earl is a fantastic bass singer that hails from Marshall, IL. Earl has been the bass for the Damascus Road Quartet, and has been singing Southern Gospel music for over 25 years. When he is not singing, Mr. Michels spends a great deal of time operating his own business, Backyard Leisure, in Terre Haute, IN. In his private time Earl enjoys spending time with his lovely wife of 30 years- Joyce, and their 3 adult children. Earl is without a doubt the best bass singer with which we have worked, and takes the CVQ to a whole new level of quality, excitement and ministry!
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PHIL TROTZKE- BARITONE & PIANO--------------------
Phil is our baritone,pianist, arranger and coach. He and his wife, Marlene, live in Terre Haute, Indiana. They have 2 married children, Mike and Julie, and two grandchildren. Phil has more than 4 decades of Gospel Music experience, including, not only playing the piano and singing, but just about every other facet of the Southern Gospel Music industry. He has been involved in publishing, promoting, composing, coaching, recording, teaching, as well as radio and television. He has performed as a member of 4 other quartets over the years and worked closely with several others. He has spent many years studying music and enjoys just about every kind, but Traditional Southern Gospel Male Quartet style is his favorite. Phil is happy to be associated with CVQ and its very talented members and believes strongly in its ministry.
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KEN STRAUSER - GUITAR --------------------------
Ken is the group's electric guitarist. Ken brings a wealth of experience to the CVQ Band as he's previously been a member of such gospel groups as the Harmonetts in the late 70's. His humor and Christian attitude is obvious for all to see when he's carrying his "six-string" and working for The Lord. Ken is the only original member of Crystal Valley and is a real asset to the band. He and his wife Ann live in Linton, IN. They enjoy quiet time at home when they're not traveling with the CVQ as well going out to a nice restaurant now and then. Ken loves Southern Gospel music and his favorite group is The Kingsmen. You're sure to enjoy watching and hearing Ken play when you attend a Crystal Valley concert.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the add and friendship, it is wonderful to have you apart of our network. As you may have read that we have a ministry called Chair Bear that strives to help as many disabled children and young adults that we can through our outreach mission. It is a great honor to have you a part of our my space page. Thank You
Crystal Valley Quartet, Just wanted to let you know we were thinking of you today. Hope you have a Sonshiny day. God Bless, Randy and family Jeremiah 33:3
Looking forward to Sept 20th when we have a Quartet free for all! Is Carbon anywhere near London? Said they were having fish from the Thames. lol! Seriously, should be a great time.
Jun 16, 2008 3:26 PM ITS AMAZING WHEN STRANGERS BECOME FRiENdS, BUT ITS SAD WHEN FRiENdS BECOME STRANGERS...I NEVER WANT TO LOSE U AS A FRiENd...SEND THIS TO ALL YOUR FRiENdS...INCLUDING ME(IF U DONT WANT TO LOSE ME!)
I MET U AS A STRANGER.
I TOOK U AS A FRiENd.
I HOPE WE MEET IN HEAVEN WHERE FRiENdSHiP NEVER ENDS.
HI, cousin Earl, from your cousin Donna in Chicago. It is so neat to hear you sing! It takes me back to Grandma & Grandpa's house and the wonderful memories there. Good luck, it is so great to see you in this quartet. God bless all of you.
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