The History of Unity Performing Arts Foundation

2001
10/12/01 – 10/14/01
10/12/01 – 10/14/01

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir First Fall Choir Camp at Camp Potawotami 47 students 13 adults

2002
2/10/02
2/10/02

A Celebration of Unity Joint concert with Canterbury School Choir

3/17/02

UPAF first Rap with the Pros Program

12/1/02

English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation, first grant of $25,000.00 for our Youth Choral Program, the Voices of Unity Youth Choir

2003
1/18/03
1/18/03

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir join in their first-time performance with The Fort Wayne Philharmonic in A Celebration of Unity

2004
6/16/04

The Voices of Unity invited to sing the National Anthem for the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles game.

6/16/04
6/16/04

Unity Performing Arts Foundation’s first VIP Showcase Reception for the “The State of the World Concert.” Hosted by Russ and Stephanie McCormick at Southside High School.

2006
11/26/06

Unity Performing Arts Foundation endorsed by GM & President Bill Polian of the Indianapolis Colts

2007
9/6/07

The Voices of Unity sings at the NFL 2007 Opening Kickoff Game, the Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints.  They perform the National Anthem with R & B Artist Keshia Cole.

11/23/07

The Voices of Unity performs the National Anthem at Fort Wayne Mad Ants Basketball Team Opening Celebration

2008
5/24/08
5/24/08

UPAF’S First Senior Day – 20 High School Graduates (our largest graduating class).

10/8/08

UPAF launches The Creative Writing Program (POP-The Power of Passion)

2009
4/16/09

The Voices of Unity to sing the national anthem on the opening night at the new Fort Wayne minor league stadium, Parkview Field.

4/29/09

Recognition as one of the 50 top arts-and humanities programs serving youth 2009 Coming Up Taller Semifinalist by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and its partner agencies, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities

6/27/09

Unity Performing Arts Foundation and The City of Fort Wayne collaborate and presents An Evening Of Hope event that was broadcast on live prime television on WANE-TV 15

12/21/09
12/21/09

Mr. White receives a phone call from Lori Lobsiger who extends an invitation to The Voices of Unity to participate in the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, and represent their country. Plans begin Feb 1, 2010, to pursue the biggest opportunity in the history of Unity Performing Arts Foundation and the city of Fort Wayne.

2010
7/19/10 – 7/28/10

The Voices of Unity Choir Olympic Team accomplishes their goal to go to China and comes back with two gold medals one in Popular Choral Music and one in the Gospel & Spiritual Category and the World Grand Champion title in the Gospel & Spiritual category. This is the biggest and historical accomplishment in Fort Wayne’s history by any artistic group.

10/20/10
10/20/10

UPAF hires our first college Alumni on staff.  Jordan Applegate was hired to serve as the Program Supervisor of the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. 

11/15/10

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir was honored by the US Senate and presented a Congressional Record for their accomplishment at the World Choir Games, a letter of recommendation was sent to the White House requesting a special visit with the President and the First Lady.

2011
1/6/11
1/6/11

The Indiana General Assembly recognized the first Indiana choir to win an International title at the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China.  Our young champions were honored on the floor of the Senate and House during sessions prior to the Inaugural Ceremony.

 

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