About the Metro Praise Orchestra
The Metro Praise Orchestra is a 20-piece ensemble of Christian musicians dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel through big band jazz.
Organized in January 2000 by trombonist Gary Phillips as a recreational outlet for Christian men, the MPO has since appeared in well over 100 performances for audiences at churches, arts festivals, fund raisers and community events, and has been featured on the Fox News Network, in the Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and several community newspapers. The ensemble's recordings have been played on KCBI’s Sunday Morning Sounds of Sonshine program, hosted by long-time Dallas radio personality Charlie Campbell.
The MPO’s repertoire bridges a wide variety of styles. While recalling the swinging sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton and other icons of the Big Band era, the band also explores today’s Latin, rock and popular styles in arrangements of traditional spirituals, Gospel hymns, and sacred and contemporary Christian music.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the Metro Praise Orchestra has also made patriotic music a significant part of its program in recognition of the service and sacrifices of America's active military personnel and veterans.
Serving in prisons is an integral part of the MPO's ministry, and the band has traveled to Texas prisons over half a dozen times in support of the Coalition of Churches in Prison Ministry, a Dallas organization.
The men of the MPO come from diverse backgrounds. Members range in age from 20 years to nearly 80. They are teachers, sales professionals, independent business owners and tradesmen. They represent Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian congregations, Episcopal parishes, The Churches of Christ, The Disciples of Christ, the Assemblies of God and several non-denominational fellowships.
All are volunteers. All love music that swings. And all are sinful men redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Metro Praise Orchestra has recorded two CDs — a self-titled 2002 disc featuring 11 selections with guest vocalists Jill Brewer, Ken Nelson, Dave Boyer and vocal trio Hearts in Tune, and a 2006 project titled People Need the Lord, featuring 12 selections, including the title cut, the first-ever commissioned work for the band.
The MPO is available for performances at church and community events, for fund-raising events for non-profit organizations, and for private parties. Smaller ensembles made up of MPO members — a brass quintet, jazz combo and Dixieland band — are available as well.
For additional information or to book the band, call General Manager Gary Phillips at 817.637.0798 or e-mail metropraise@yahoo.com.