In
the early 70’s, the “Folk Group” was born at Our
Lady of Peace Parish. It began with an adult leader, Mr. Ken Tome,
and several teenagers. They provided “Folk Style” music
at mass on a weekly basis. Over the years, the members of the group
changed and so did the music. In 2002, the group began its development
into a praise band under the direction of Debby Holmes and Julia Cooney.
Selah Praise Band currently has 24 members, consisting of 3 guitarists,
1 bass player, full drum kit, congas, piano, keyboard, flute, several
auxiliary percussion instrumentalists, and vocalists. The band members
range in age from high school students through adults.
Selah Praise Band provides music at Our Lady of
Peace Church at the 9:00am mass on a weekly basis. They like to
perform music of a wide variety – everything from peaceful
pieces like “Sacred Silence”, “Breathe”,
“Above All” and “Benediction”, to uplifting
praise and worship songs like “Come, Now is the Time to Worship”,
“Forever”, “Fish with Me”, “Your Grace
is Enough” and “Go Make a Difference”. No matter
what the music is, Selah always lets the Holy Spirit drive them.
Selah Praise Band has been blessed with the opportunity
over the past few years, to perform at events like: “The Heaven
on Earth Concert”, the Lake Erie Arboreadum’s concert
series, the City of Erie “Concerts in the Parks”, the
annual “Relay for Life” Mass, Relay for Life breakfast,
as well as at other parishes in the Erie area. Sharing their music
and faith with other’s in the community is always a very rewarding
experience for the band and are always thrilled to do it. There
is nothing more rewarding when we’re singing and the audience
is singing right back at us!
The band has also been blessed
with the opportunity to product 2 CD’s. The first, “We
are One Body” is a selection of praise and worship songs –
right from the heart of the band. Their most recent CD, “Love
Has Come” is a selection of wonderful Christmas songs consisting
of both traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Both CD’s
are available at the church office. Selah Praise Band is currently
in the process of producing their 3rd CD with it’s release
scheduled early in 2011.
"I am eternally grateful to
the members of the band. Their dedication, and enthusiam for their
ministry is at times overwhelming to me. A special thank you to
my sister Julia for her support and guidance over the years; and
to Brian Kuzmin - an instrumental part of the production of our
CD's. Always remember - LET THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU!" ... Debby
Holmes
|