This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Whiz Kids: Kennesaw Youth Praise Band

This week Kennesaw Patch would like to feature a group of local students who have formed a praise and worship band in our community.

The students, members of Kennesaw United Methodist Church, call themselves Stoned Like Stephen, based on the Biblical story. The students are playing under the guidance of Tim Nugent, acting band director, and Paul Scheeser, Kennesaw UMC Minister of Youth.

“I step back and let the kids do everything," said Nugent. "They are doing this all on their own.” According to Nugent, they are responsible for their practice schedule, rehearsals, choosing their own music and their performances. “They are figuring it out for themselves, I am just here to guide them.”

The group of youth is committed to practicing every Sunday afternoon. They perform on Sunday evenings during their church youth worship service and occasionally are on rotation for Sunday morning worship service at Kennesaw UMC. 

Find out what's happening in Kennesawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When asked what inspired them to form the band, Gabe Flores, bass guitarist, KSU student and a driving force behind the band said, “Lots of musically-talented kids who wanted to praise Him and learn how to perform music publicly.”

Flores added, “We talked about this for a really long time before we acted on it. Our commitment was a well thought out decision.” Flores commented on how much he respects and appreciates the time and talent of everyone in the band and how much he enjoys aligning himself with them. The band members range in age from 13 to 22 years and they are all dedicated to making a difference by sharing their gifts in the community.

Find out what's happening in Kennesawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One of their favorite songs to play is, Revelation Song by Jennie Lee Riddle. The band members consist of singers Elizabeth Cason and sisters Ashley and Melissa Hines with Joseph “Feifel” Loch on percussion. Guitar players are John Loch, Trent Watson, Madison Prince, Harrison Spradlin and Gabe Flores on bass. Kennesaw Patch honors these students for their dedication and desire to reach other youth in their community with a positive message. We look forward to hearing great things.     

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Kennesaw