A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and arranger, C. Stephen McDonald was born to encourage others through his God given ability. Born in Sumter, South Carolina at the early age of four, with strong encouragement from his parents, Stephen rapidly developed a fondness for the drums, piano and keyboards. Realizing that God's hand was upon him, he dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized in the name of Jesus, receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit at the age of 11.
From 1986 -1991, Stephen was blessed with numerous opportunities from being appointed Music Director for the Arlington Youth Choir (Children of the Light) to working as a staff musician, writer and arranger at M&M Recording Studios in Marlboro, Maryland where he arranged music for over 150 recordings with local and national artists including Daniel Winans of the famed "Winans Family."
In 1993, he produced his first album entitled, "It's Time" with the Hampton Evangelistic Center (HEC) Mass Choir. Three years later with his newly formed group (Divine Continuum), which was hand picked from the 60+ member HEC Mass Choir, he released his second project-"Power "Power in the Praise." The project began to garner Stephen and Divine Continuum a lot of respect in their tri-state area as they traveled regularly sharing the Good News through song.
Such a response became a launching pad for Stephen and the group as the blessing to share the ministry throughout the country and the world became evident when Italy was on the calendar to visit in 2001 for its annual Gospel/jazz festival. With the craving for Gospel so strong in other parts of the world, Stephen's unique approach to presenting his ministry was well received by the Italians.
Stephen has conducted several Music and Choral Workshops from Jackson Music Ministers Conference - Jackson, MS, East Regional Music & Arts Conference (ERMAC) - Gaithersburg, MD, Castle Hills Music Workshop - San Antonio, TX and various others that taught the importance of vocal variety with a dynamic delivery. He has also been blessed to share the stage with several national recording artists including Tyscot's Franklin "Bubby" Fann, Byron Cage, the Mississippi Mass Choir, John P. Key, Trinity 5:7 Rickey Dillard, Dawkins and Dawkins, Hezekiah Walker, and Winans Phase II.
Stephen currently serves as Director of Music for Living Waters Christian Fellowship in Newport News, Virginia and is celebrating his third release entitled "I'll Cry Holy." This new project is a one-stop shop for the entire family. If you want worship-you will hear it! If you want traditional-you will hear it! If it is contemporary you desire then do not wait any longer! I'll Cry Holy with Stephen McDonald and Divine Continuum is sure to make a lasting impression on the hearts of men and women everywhere.
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