THE SOUND OF YOUTHFUL PRAISE

The band Testimony led the Wednesday night youth service at Lynwood Baptist Church. Members include, from left: drummer Josh Reimann and singers Kyle Meadows, Marquis Brookins, Austin Brewer and Alison Eaton.

Whether it is in the soft, blended voices of a preschool children's choir or the full-throated sound of a gospel song, more children and youth are singing at churches and in public performances.

Some perform solo acts and others are part of Christians band. Regardless of how they perform, the region is full of talented young musicians who find their greatest joy when praising the Lord.

Most have been training and perfecting their sounds as they've grown in stature and all of them enjoy the connections music makes in both the spiritual and secular worlds.

Shane Steck has been playing the piano for most of his life. He is the son of Bob and Judy Steck and Dan and Tempa Greene.

The now 20-year-old began playing when he was in the second grade, and was recently selected as one of the top 10 performers in the Gaither Gospel National Talent Search.

"He wanted to start playing three or four years before that, but I thought he should wait until he could read well," said his mother.

Once he started, music became a very important part of his life. Throughout high school Steck played for his local youth group. He still plays with the Praise Band at Cape Bible Chapel.

"He really wants to perform professionally," said his mother. Although his true love is Christian music, for now he's playing wherever he can.

Andrea Penzel, daughter of Phil and Sandy Penzel, made her first singing appearance when she was only 2. Andrea sang "Jesus Loves Me" at church, her mother said.

Andrea liked to sing and when her mother noticed how good her pitch was, lessons began that helped develop her voice. The 10-year-old is already a veteran performer, having sung at Silver Dollar City and Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe. She also opens for many gospel groups.

Andrea likes the traveling and performing but admits "it's really weird to meet a lot of singers, but I am inspired by them." Her goal is to be a gospel singer herself.

It isn't uncommon to find her singing and humming any time of the day or night. "I sometimes hum myself to sleep," she said.

While Andrea chooses to sing, Kyle Bird makes music of a different sort. He is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Calvin Bird.

"I went around the house banging on things so my brother and cousin taught me to play the drums," said the younger Bird. Only 2 at the time, he has been performing for 12 years now.

Music seems to come naturally for members of the Bird family since every member plays an instrument. Growing up in the church provided the Birds with a ready audience.

Performing every Sunday is fun but sometimes a lot of work, said Bird. Performing in the comfortable surroundings of the church does have its advantages.

"If you mess up you don't get embarrassed," he said. "Everyone is there to learn about Jesus and many are attracted by the music."

Robyn Hosp has been a great inspiration for Lacy Hayes, 13-year-old daughter of Wendy Hayes of Jackson.

"I like how she acts and performs," said Lacy.

Lacy made her singing debut four years ago at the Easter pageant at the First Baptist Church in Jackson and she hasn't stopped singing since.

"She sings wherever she's asked," said her mother. Whether it's at Jackson Homecomers, for a private club, a 7th grade class or a dinner theater Lacy enjoys performing.

"I really want to go to Broadway," she said.

For now her favorite place to sing is at church. "It's real comfortable there," she said.

Lacy's mother thanks the Lord for her daughter's success. "He gave her a voice; we give him credit for that," she said.

Kyle Meadows, a freshman at Central Junior High School, says he's been singing forever. He has a solo in the upcoming school musical and is the lead singer for his church band, Testimony, which practices at Lynwood Baptist Church.

Of all the places he sings, he's most relaxed when he's at church.

"When you sing at church you're singing for a purpose -- to glorify God and praise him," he said.

Donna Bedwell may be reached at 335-6611 ext. 211 or by e-mail at dbedwell@semissourian.com.