Our Story
The United Voices of Detroit (UVD), founded in March 2009 by director Nina Scott, Andrea Pruitt and Aubrey Pruitt, is a choral music organization established to sing the Word of God, and to develop a group of singers with like minds into a choir that ministers to the needs of the community at large. The United Voices of Detroit are available to sing for church, community, and civic events.
Among the choir’s performances are an appearance at the National Association of Negro Musicians National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, the Detroit Rescue Mission for Thanksgiving Day 2009, The Detroit City Council Holiday Celebration, the Moscow Ballet production of the “Nutcracker”, the Martin Luther King Day Celebration sponsored by the city of Southfield, Michigan, and a holiday performance at the North American Black Historical Museum in Amherstburg, Ontario. In February 2012 UVD performed in a mass choir performing the spiritual arrangements of Jacqueline Hairston at Carnegie Hall. The choir was honored to win a solo spotlight on the same concert, performing 30 minutes of their repertoire featuring the music of Michigan composers and arrangers. For many years, UVD annually sponsored the Detroit Spirituals Festival in January of each year.
The study and preservation of the history of African American music is central to UVDs foundation. The hope is to continue that tradition by encouraging aspiring composers by introducing the music of new composers and singing the works of established composers. The United Voices of Detroit performs music of all genres. The repertoire includes music of the Masters — classical, spirituals, anthems, popular music, jazz, and more. It is the mission of UVD to promote unity in the community through music.
Promoting unity in the community through music.
Meet the Directors
Nina Scott, Founding Director and Director Emerita, selected Damon DeBose as the next director of The United Voices of Detroit. Damon is a former student of Nina Scott and is a founding member and the first Youth Director for The United Voices of Detroit.
Our Directors
Damon DeBose serves as CEO and Director of the United Voices of Detroit, one of the nation’s premier community choirs, a position gifted to him by Nina R. Scott, founder of UVD. He previously directed the United Voices of Detroit Youth Ensemble, leading performances across the United States, including appearances as a featured guest ensemble at the National Association of Negro Musicians Annual Conventionand the James Tatum Foundation Gala Classical and Jazz Concert. Mr. DeBose began his formal vocal training under the guidance of his mentor and friend, Nina R. Scott, while attending Detroit’s Renaissance High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Kentucky State University, where he studied under the distinguished direction of Dr. Carl H. Smith and performed as a member of the renowned Kentucky State University Concert Choir.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s leading vocal instructors and choral directors, Mr. DeBose has earned a reputation for excellence within the professional vocal music community. His accomplishments have provided opportunities to perform for distinguished leaders, including former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, former U.S. Representative John Conyers, and numerous civic and community officials. He has also collaborated with notable musical organizations and artists, including The Marvelettes, the Mosaic Singers, and the Brazeal Dennard Youth Chorale, where he also served as director.
In 2023, Mr. DeBose had the privilege of returning to his alma mater, Kentucky State University, where he briefly served as Director of the Kentucky State University Concert Choir, further contributing to the institution’s rich choral tradition.
Damon DeBose is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Essential Curriculums LLC, an educational organization dedicated to advancing excellence in music education and choral arts. A respected educator, conductor, and vocal clinician, Mr. DeBose has devoted his career to developing young musicians and strengthening music programs throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area and beyond. Prior to founding Essential Curriculums, Mr. DeBose served as a vocal music educator in both public and charter school systems, inspiring countless students through his commitment to artistic excellence and music literacy. Throughout his career, he has established and led several premier choral organizations, including the Harmonic Voices of Rouge and the Melodious Voices of Inkster, both of which have become recognized for their artistic achievement and community impact.
In addition to his work in education and performance, Mr. DeBose has held significant leadership roles in sacred music ministry, serving as Minister of Music at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Detroit and as Director of the Senior Renaissance Choir at Plymouth United Church of Christ.
A lifelong advocate for music education, artistic excellence, and community engagement, Mr. DeBose continues to influence generations of singers through his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the transformative power of music. He is also a proud initiate of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, having joined the organization in 1997.
Nina Scott
Founder, Director EmeritaWith a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
DirectorDamon DeBose
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