Ann Arbor Times

YPSILANTI — When Eastern Michigan University senior Sherry Young isn’t working as a full-time nurse, she’s spreading love with her gospel music. Balancing her demanding career and academic life with her passion for music, Young won Praise and Worship CD of the Year and Special Event CD of the Year at the 2024 Rhythm of Gospel Music Awards for her instrumental flute album, “Solid Rock.”

“I am so humbled to receive these awards,” said Young. “I’ve worked on my music for so long, and I am so grateful for everyone who has supported me. I hope people can walk away from my music feeling uplifted.”

Young’s love for music started in childhood, singing every song she heard on television. With continued interest, she quickly found her love for the flute. When her pastor allowed her to play her music in church, the rest was history.

Young’s album was submitted to The Rhythm Of Gospel Music Awards Show, an annual event with various showcases, choir competitions, pageants, and achievement galas that bring in over 3,500 annual tourists, churches, civic groups, and families to celebrate various genres of gospel. An online vote determines the winners of each category.

Beyond her two wins, Young’s album was nominated for four other awards: Inspirational Song of the Year; Contemporary Christian Music Song of the Year; Instrumental Artist of the Year; and Producer of the Year (produced by Chris Alkazian).

Young has studied at Eastern Michigan University for eight years, attending part-time to get her bachelor’s degree in music performance. She chose Eastern after studying privately under EMU professor Penelope Fischer.

Young hopes to emphasize the love she has felt from Eastern’s staff as she approaches her final semester. “I would like to thank Eastern’s music department for everything they do to help students. Every faculty and staff member I’ve met has inspired me.”

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist doctoral and certificate degrees in various fields through its Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school.