After being laid off from his job at a chemical plant, Jeral Gray formed the choir in 1994, with the mission of bringing more youth into the church and giving young singers (16-25 years old) an opportunity to use their talents for the Glory of the Lord, thus giving them "an alternative to the distractions of the streets, which can be alluring."
Jeral Gray explains, "I had been doing music part-time for most of my life, and I just felt a prompting telling me it was time to make that the focus of my life. I didn't know what to expect, but I followed that word, and I never looked back since."
Looking around his hometown of Chicago, he saw a lot of talented young Christian musicians, all looking for ways to serve the Lord with their considerable vocal gifts. After feeling a strong personal call from the Lord to be in ministry to the younger generation, starting with youth of his community, Jeral got to work, enlisting the help of his older brother, Percy, who soon became "an intregal part of the aggregation."
Jeral Gray explains, "Everything we do, my brother and I do together. It wasn't long before he became a part of things. He has definitely been co-owner of this choir and its vision...and my key inspiration from the beginning."
Percy Gray, Jeral's older brother became the founding onstage director for this choral group. As of 2004, the New Direction Choir has grown to 43 + voices (median age: early 20's) accompanied by a five member contemporary Gospel band.
Source: http://www.christianmusic.com/new_direction/new_direction.htm
