The Special Ensemble youth performance group was named the Youth Choir Winner at McDonald’s GospelFest 2011: The Mighty Men of Valor at the Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 18, 2011 after being together for 9 months. They were selected as a finalist from over 40,000 participants, and competed against numerous youth choirs from the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area.

A premier youth performance group comprised of 12 youth, ages 10-16, the Special Ensemble are hand selected from past and present participants of Newark Symphony Hall Children’s Performing Arts Academy and NSH Youth Gospel Choir Workshop.

Founded by Mr. Hugh A. Davis, the youth are under the leadership of prolific instructors and mentors including Musical Director Candice Anderson and Managing Director Niki Davis. The Special Ensemble members are featured at various events throughout the Metropolitan area including Arena/Sporting, Birthday Celebrations, Church Events, Festivals, Retirement Parties and Weddings. Members of the Special Ensemble believe that their unique group is based on their individual gifts that when their voices come together they are of “One Body, One Mind”. They all share a love for singing and enjoy being in a group where they can not only express themselves vocally but experience their passion of performing with a supportive group of their peers.