If you plan on watching The Grammys this weekend, pay special attention to the "Best Traditional Gospel Album" category. Drew University student Reverend Stefanie Minatee (T ’07, ’10) and her choir, Jubilation, are featured with Queen Latifah in the title track of "Oh Happy Day," which is nominated for a Grammy in Best Traditional Gospel Album category. The album, which can be purchased on iTunes, features songs with an array of artists such as Bon Jovi, Three Doors Down and Joss Stone. "Jubilation is my heart. We’re a family," Minatee said of the choir that she formed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 1998. Minatee was an artist-in-residence at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center when they asked her to create a choir for a one-time event. Since then, Jubilation has grown into a choir with members from 28 different municipalities in New Jersey. "We have teachers, attorneys and CEOs. Our oldest member is 92," Minatee said. "The people are just awesome people. I just love them to pieces." " "Dana is a phenomenal artist and person," Minatee said. "We worked with her on the NJPAC ‘Spirit’ album in 2003, but I first met her at the First Baptist Church in Nutley, New Jersey. She’s still a kid to me." Minatee earned her M.A. at the Theological School in 2007. She is still a Drew student, currently going for her Doctor of Ministry degree. "I was compelled to go to seminary after preaching for 20 years, and decided to attend Drew because I knew I would be challenged," Minatee said. "The greatest thing I learned at Drew was Dean Yardley telling us to ‘be open.’ Drew has helped me to be a more universal minister." Her connection to Drew remains strong. "I want to thank every one of my professors who have helped me to grow as a Theologian," Minatee said. As far as the Grammy nomination, Minatee was especially excited because of her connection to the awards show. "I am, and have been, a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. I was ecstatic when I saw the nomination," Minatee said. Minatee and Jubilation will be performing at Drew’s Craig Chapel on Feb.10 as part of the Black Ministerial Caucus’ "Moving Forward with God’s Vision." "God opens doors for us," Minatee said about the Grammy nomination. "I thank God and I love what I do." The Grammys will be aired Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.
Theo student’s choir part of a Grammy nod
Published: Friday, January 29, 2010
Updated: Friday, January 29, 2010 02:01
 "Photo: jubilationinc.com")
jubilationinc.com
Started in 1998 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center,
 "Photo: Courtesy of Stefanie Minatee")
Courtesy of Stefanie Minatee
Theological student Reverend Stefanie Minatee and Jubilation sing on the title track of Grammy-nominated ‘Oh Happy Day.’
1 comments Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now