Vanessa Ford
Voice
Vanessa’s rich Central American heritage has encouraged her to embrace family, to appreciate every culture and racial background and to find a way to always be of service to others. She began singing in the church choir at the age of seven, and she loves every genre of music, but she is an aficionado of classical music, jazz, pop, traditional hymns and contemporary gospel music. Vanessa has performed the National Anthem for many local college sporting events, for Springfield Police Academy Graduations, and for a multitude of high profile local and national events. Vanessa attended Springfield Central High School, Springfield Technical Community College & Elms College. Until 2006, Vanessa was the Arts Director at the Springfield Girls’ Club Family Center, Inc. Until 2012, was the Director of Praise & Worship at St. John’s Congregational Church. There, she also directed the children’s choir for over 10 years as they grew from less than 10 to over 50 members under her leadership. For over the past 12 years, Vanessa has taught a “Music in Motion” 4th grade Choral Class at St. Michael’s Academy through Community Music School of Springfield. It features approximately 50 students who participate in an energetic choral class with Vanessa. As the co-founder and coordinator of The Women of Faith Ensemble, Vanessa shares her mission of praise with 9 other women in the group as they minister all over the region. Vanessa is a board member of Blues to Green which presents the Annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, a committee member of The Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities. Vanessa was previously the Music & Recruitment Chair for Springfield Unity Festival and she is a dedicated supporter of Dress for Success for women. Vanessa is the founding director of the Springfield CommUnity Chorale where she strives to bring singers together from all backgrounds, cultures & races. Among her many gifts, Vanessa has written and arranged many choral and praise and worship songs. In 2016, Vanessa was inspired to write a song called “Stronger Together”, which was released in August 2016. She will release her latest original inspirational song “Fight For You” in January 2021. Vanessa strives to use her gifts to touch the hearts of many and hopes to make a difference in the lives of others through her life, community service and music.
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