TARSHA WILLIAMS

Meet Tarsha, TTW's new lead vocalist.

At a very young age Tarsha was made aware of her singing abilities by family members and friends. She began her singing experience in the youth choirs and as a praise and worship leader of Pilgrim Church in NYC - under the leadership of Arch Bishop Roy E. Brown - where her musical talents were nurtured and greatly encouraged.
Under the instruction of Curtis Gomes, one of New York City Archdiocese?s greatest children?s choir directors, Tarsha learned the style of classical vocal performance ? studying pieces composed by Mozart, Shuman, and Shubert. Mr. Gomes encouraged Tarsha, at the age of 13, to audition for the Fiorella Laguardia H.S. of Music and Performing Arts ? made famous by the major motion picture ?FAME?. Overcome by tremendous bouts of shyness, Tarsha did not believe she would be proficient enough to successfully pass the audition. But, she did!!!!
During her course of study at Music & Art, Tarsha studied at the renowned Harlem School of the Arts under the instruction of - the famous classical performer - Jonathan Sprague (Porgy & Bess). It was this musical marriage that resulted in Tarsha receiving a Music Merit Vocal Performance Scholarship from Ohio Wesleyan University Music Conservatory Program.
Upon graduating, Tarsha performed at numerous venues throughout NY with some of the cities greatest jazz musicians. Her great instinct for music gained her the name "Chanteuse" - a great singer and well respected songstress.
Tarsha has performed at renowned venues and landmarks such as CARNEGIE HALL, LINCOLN CENTER, LA CAVE and the infamous COTTON CLUB. She has performed on numerous programs such as FOX and NBC television networks.
Before relocating to North Carolina - Tarsha worked as a studio musician for MOTOWN, ARISTA, ISLAND records and CRUCIAL KEYS Production Studio. Since her relocation she has performed at the Jazz Café, House of Jazz; and functions as a resident performer with Audio Works Recording Studio (SC). She still continues her praise and worship as a vocalist at Hickory Grove Baptist Church (Charlotte) and Lee Park Baptist Church (Monroe).
Although music is a major component in her life, Tarsha has a tremendous interest in adolescents and seniors and has established TW Associates, a consulting firm that works with organizations to provide much needed health initiatives and services throughout the United States. As a minister with a local evangelical ministry - The Changing Place - Tarsha continues to exercise her great love for service through numerous endeavors that provide much needed assistance to community members.
"I am pleased and honored that God has allowed me the opportunity to share my gift of music and service. It is a pleasure and honor." Tarsha

CINDY COOK

Cindy is the founder, leader, keyboardist, & bgv of the TTW Band. She brings over 30 years of musical knowledge and experience to the band - a wide variety of musical tastes and styles. Cindy's enthusiasm on the stage is contagious and you'll soon find yourself dancing a bit at your seat. Her passions include music, worshipping the King, telling people about Jesus, fitness, tennis, youth, and family. (not in the order listed above!) One of her favorite Scriptures is:
Isaiah 26:8 - "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renoun are the desire of our hearts."

CHRIS HARTIS

Chris, our new bass player and vocalist, has always had a love of music, and that led him to the drums at age 14. By 16, he had been in a few local cover bands . In 1985 he joined the Wildwood band and played all over North and South Carolina and parts of Tennessee for the next 15 years. His experience with Wildwood gave him the opportunity to open for various national acts such as Daron Norwood, Ronnie McDowell, and Sammy Kershaw. Chris started playing bass guitar at church in the praise band about three years ago, and recently had the opportunity to join TTW. Currently, Chris and his lovely wife Donna are the youth directors at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Monroe, N.C.
Chris' favorite scripture is Galations 2:20 - "For I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Sonny Falls

Sonny, lead guitarist -

Sonny has been playing guitar for 30 years. He played music to get through college. In his early years, Sonny was influenced by Roy Nichols, Chet Atkins, Reggie Young, and the Ventures. Since then, influences are "too many to list." Sonny's favorite styles include Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Motown, Stacks, Western Swing, & Jazz guitar.
Sonny is a great team player and "looks for the part to fill." He's ontime, dependable, and laid back. His favorite equipment - Fender & Gibson guitars. He still has every LP and 45 rpm he ever bought and he still has the same wonderful wife after over 37 years!





Terry McKinney

Terry, our drummer-

Terry started playing drums in elementary school in the 1st grade. In jr. high he landed a gig with the band The Living End, doing music by Jimmi Hendrix, Cream, and the Doors. In time, the drummer Jeff Poraco of ToTo became his favorite along with Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs. After graduation, he played with Autumn Mist, playing local clubs in Winston-Salem, NC. It was here that he met Sam Pepper Owen of Uncle Sams and worked around the club meeting and warming up with various 70's super groups including Dennis Yost and the Classics Four, the Atlantic Rhythm Section, and Kid Sheelen. He later formed and played with the group Autograph in Winston-Salem.
In recent years, Terry was looking for a Christian band and came across the ad for TTW and has been with the band now for 1 1/2 years. He also plays with G-Force at GCC, a Monday night service geared toward the racing community and plays jazz at Creative-Ej in Huntersville.
Terry enjoys collecting vintage drums and is planing a studio and drum museum in the near future. He also enjoys photography, golf, and good fun.

Matt Cook

Matt, lead & rhythm guitar-

Twenty-one year old Matt Cook has been playing guitar since age 6. His biggest influence (musically and other) has been his grandfather. Other influences are Merle Haggard, Brent Mason, Paul Franklin, and other Nashville session players. He's played with Wendal Cox (Travis Tritt's guitarist) and played with Shuffletown from '98 - '07.
Matt's a talented lead guitarist, especially in the country genre. He's got a witty sarcasm and a very likeable personality. Matt believes he "utilizes the talents on loan from God."
His favorite Scripture is John 3:16 - "For GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
oh yeah, and he LOVES to fish!

E.H. COOK

E.H. et al



CINDY & E.H. COOK

Cindy & E.H. oversee the corporation of HIS REACH MINISTRIES, INC.,
which the TTW Band is part of.

HEATHER GORDON - previous lead vocalist

Heather was the last lead vocalist for TTW Band. She did a fantastic job for TTW and we wish her the best as she pursues other ventures and spends more time with her dad right now.
Heather learned to love music at an early age. Having had a 14 year gap between her and her four siblings, she was introduced to all genres of music, from 50's soul music to the sounds of 70's rock and roll, then there was gospel and the sounds of hymns and traditional music as well. Filling her time with song was her most favorite past time. At the early age of 7, Heather gave her whole heart to the Lord. Even then, Heather knew that the Holy Spirit had stamped a song in her heart that would shine for the rest of her days to come. Through singing Heather has found divine opportunities to witness to the pre-Christians of this world and she now knows that with a melody and God?s word, people's lives can and will be changed for His purpose.
Looking back over the many accomplishments in Heather's career you could find her on projects with artists such as Sandi Patty and singer/ song writer Rick Vale, and also on video projects with Gaither Homecoming Videos, featuring Jesse Dixon. For the last 25 years Heather has had National Awards and Worship training from places such as Willow Creek Church in Chicago and singer / song writer Darlene Zschech from Hillsong, Australia. Attending Anderson University, in Anderson, IN, was where Heather received her intense training from many of the world's best Vocal Professors. It was there that not only did God call her into ministry with singing and speaking but He also blessed her with her husband Keith. For the next 16 years the Lord would prepare her and her family for a time such as this to take His joy and spread the Good News where ever He leads them. Worship and praising Him is Heather's heart-song and the Lord is giving her life lessons that are for sure to warm your heart as well.

RICH HALEY - previous bass player

Rich, on bass, received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the State University College of New York at Fredonia, and a Master of Science degree in Music Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.
Rich taught in the New York State public schools since 1983, having received numerous accolades for his prize-winning Concert Bands, Marching Bands and Jazz Ensembles. Rich was an adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association since 1988 and was named to "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" four times.
Currently, Rich performs locally on the bass and on low brass instruments. He teaches music students at several locations as well as maintaining a private studio.
He co-directs the Praise Team at New Life Free Methodist Church in Rock Hill, SC.
Rich feels that his musical talents and abilities are truly gifts from God, and so strives to find ways to give back whenever possible - all in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! He has been married to his wonderful wife Andrea for 20+ years.

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning..."

TIA McPIKE - former lead vocalist

Tia - our soulful Motown gal. You'll hear her on the CD doing several songs. Tia was influenced at a young age by the music of:
George Benson
Sarah Vaughn
Ella Fitzgerald

She sang for a short while with Martha Reeves, learning a lot along the way. Tia has moved back to Michigan where most of her family resides.

"Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us cheer in honour of the Rock of our salvation."