Band Biography
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"Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, praise His name..."
So begins a calling thousands of years old, yet as fresh and exciting in the 21st century as ever. The psalm for which we are named resonates with the wonder of a glorious God who reigns in love, and whose whole creation cannot help but rejoice in response. Our heart’s desire is to share that joy. Fittingly, Psalm 96 uses a contemporary voice, integrating jazz, pop, and world music. Our repertoire encompasses primarily original songs, as well as new arrangements of popular hymns and some current covers.
Our musical tapestry is led by Michael Hood (vocals, guitars, keys, percussion) and features John Markowitz (guitars), Maria Hood (vocals, keys), and Beth Hess (vocals, keys).
Michael brings over 20 years experience with numerous bands, most recently as guitar player for the Christian jazz group Joshua. With Joshua he has opened for Take 6, DC Talk, Ben Tankard and others, and has played at Big Splash, on the 700 Club and released a CD on the Pamplin label. He has also been musical director at church and holds a masters degree in music.
John has played extensively on the east coast in both secular and Christian groups. He has performed with Dominick Crincoli, Tony Loeffler, and Kurt Wilson, among others. He also continues to pursue musical excellence studying all facets of the guitar, especially jazz and classical styles.
Maria sang in show choirs in high school. Since she and Michael married in 1986, they have performed together with the band Heaven’s Gate and as a duet.
Beth majored in music and has been composing and playing since childhood. Most recently she has played with the worship team at Philadelphia Church in Oak Ridge, NJ and performed with Wayne Scott Farley, including such area venues as the Lion’s Den and Europa Blue.
Currently, all four serve as worship ministers at Westchester Chapel in White Plains, NY.
For this rich interweaving of music and friendship which is Psalm 96, we gives all thanks and praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is Him we celebrate, and it is our prayer that through this ministry others may also come to...
“Sing for joy before the Lord !"
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