Praise Apella

Praise-Apella is a Cleveland, OH based contemporary Christian vocal band that sings for the praise of God's glory! The group imitates instrumentation through their gift of voice. A band without instruments! Praise-Apella has opened for and performed with Contemporary Christian recording artists Michael W. Smith, AVALON, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Brandon Heath, Nicole C. Mullen, Switchfoot, David Crowder Band, Leeland, Matthew West, Point of Grace, The Katinas, Superchic, Tammy Trent, Zoe Girl, George Rowe and John Ruben.

Praise-Apella has opened for and performed with Contemporary Christian recording artists Michael W. Smith, AVALON, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Brandon Heath, Nicole C. Mullen, Switchfoot, David Crowder Band, Leeland, Matthew West, Point of Grace, The Katinas, Superchic[k], Tammy Trent, Zoe Girl, George Rowe and John Ruben. Praise-Apella is frequently heard on Cleveland's largest Contemporary Christian Radio station 95.5 The Fish.



Amy Jo of Praise-Apella

Amy Jo is a California native who resides in Avon Lake Ohio with her husband Scott and their 3 children Hunter, Carter and Taylor.

Amy is a pastors daughter who grew up in a loving family. She comes from a musical family, her brother is the bass player in The Myriad.
She has always desired to sing and write songs from a very young age. She has been in two other vocal groups from Georgia and Virginia.

Amy helps to lead the worship at her Church in Westlake Ohio , and has done so for the past 8 years. She has album, which she recorded in 2006, called Behind the Scenes.

Amy has been blessed with many opportunities from singing the National Anthem at the Q Arena and opening for National Recording Artist Lexi and performing at the Rock Hall as part of the Fest Real Music competition.

She desires to sing and write songs that help connect people to God and discover that HE is so in love with them and desires for them to be in relationship with Himself. Amy's hope is that you may be encouraged to seek God out for yourself today and remember that He is for you.



Cassandra of Praise-Apella

CASSANDRA

Her voice is like no other. Her passion is for good lyrics and good music that magnify God. She's anointed to minister to those who are cast down and appointed to encourage those who are heavy laden. ?My ultimate goal (when I sing) is to be a voice for God. I want people to hear God talking right to them when they hear me sing.? ? Cassandra.

Cassandra was born and raised in Cleveland OH . Singing since she was three, this psalmist comes from a long line of singers going back several generations in her family. Throughout her youth, she was involved in different choirs and even played the cello for some years. It was in college where Cassandra became serious about her God given vocal talent and decided to take vocal training to strengthen her gift. Along with being a talented vocalist, Cassandra is also an anointed praise dancer/choreographer of over 10 years, a stage and screen actress, and an anointed songwriter.

Cassandra proudly calls New Spirit Revival Center in Cleveland Hts, OH her church home. She is always grateful for her Pastors Dr. Darrell and Dr. Belinda Scott who ?believed in me enough to put me on praise team, that's where God's will really began to manifest in me?. It is with drive and vigor that Cassandra pursues her calling and her dream because ?for me music is ministry and worship is life. It's not just what I do, I sing what I live ? a life FOREVER changed by God's mercy, grace and love.? As her pursuit continued, God opened a door for her to join Praise-Apella which began a new chapter to a story that had just begun. ?It is God's will for me to be here (with Praise-Apella) in this hour. I know God's hand is on this group and I look forward to what He's going to do through us in this next season?.



Dean of Praise-Apella

DEAN

Since as far back as he can remember, Dean developed an intense passion and love for music; especially vocal music. At a very early age, he was exposed to an array many musical influences. Each person, teacher and role model had helped to mold him into the person that he is today. His parents played a large role in helping to influence his desire for many musical styles.

Throughout his educational pursuits, Dean performed in several vocal ensembles including classical, renaissance, pop and jazz. In high school he sang in a vocal jazz ensemble called Roadshow. In college, he sang in Shades of Blue, a vocal jazz ensemble from Grand Rapids , MI .

It was also in college where he began to inquire about Jesus. It was at that time that he decided to give his life to Christ. It is with him and through Him that all things are possible. He now believes without a doubt that it though the gift of music that he can share his heart in ministry.

God, love, music and passion are the ingredients that make up his life. Dean feels blessed beyond belief to be a member of Praise-Apella! This recipe, which drives his existence, is how he wishes to continue to declare his faith, obedience and salvation. All that He is and has he gives to the Lord and he claims nothing solely as his own!



Ryan of Praise-Apella

RYAN

Ryan was born in Cleveland, Ohio and started singing at a very early age. His love and ear for harmony began in a sixth grade choir room where he formed his very first vocal group. Through many years and styles of singing, he developed a unique bass voice that started simulating more of an instrument (bass, of course).

After singing vocal jazz in college, Ryan took his bassist voice and founded the popular a cappella group, "Partners in Rhyme." With the band's many wonderful years of accomplishments, Ryan recalls some of his favorite moments: "Singing at the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, opening up for Isaac Hayes at Cain Park, performing at the Moondog Coronation Ball, singing the national anthem for the Cleveland Indian's 1995 ALCS game, and singing with Sean Altman from Rockapella!"

Ryan left PIR in 2003 to pursue and form a contemporary Christian vocal band and founded Praise-Apella! As the group leader, Ryan directs the rehearsals and handles the musical arrangements. This group has allowed Ryan to dedicate his gift of music to the One who gave it to him. To Ryan, Praise-Apella is a calling from God and each day he is thankful for its members and the ministry that it provides. Ryan's greatest decision in his life was the day he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And by doing so, he is forever committed by his faith and his passion for music to utilize it "for the praise of His glory." A vision worth living for!



Ron of Praise-Apella

RON

Ron was born and raised in Detroit, MI. Brought up in church and finished school, but struggled with life. He knew about God but didn't really know Jesus Christ. Until one day he was pressed with the truth of the Holy Spirit and that very truth made his own heart pure again. And that purity made him God's own child in Christ Jesus.

Ron's first opportunity to become part of an awesome praise and worship team was when he was a member of Faith Covenant Fellowship, Detroit, MI. In 2001 Ron relocated to Ohio where the Lord led him to his home church in Westlake, OH. He is a part of the choir and worship team. Through several relationships he was blessed to be called to Praise-Apella .

Ron is what some might call a word-faith man. He is persuaded that it's faith that released God and faith only comes by the word of God. The Lord has blessed Ron with an extraordinary gift for rhythm and a love for music. Ron's passion is to use that gift and love for His glory.