In Spirit and in Song

Anthony Turner, gifted tenor, educator, minister of music.

By Sarah Williams

People of faith say that God is the giver of all good things and people. Anthony Turner is one of GodÕs good gifts.

Born and reared in Burlington, North Carolina, Anthony did not have to worry about having those things he needed and wanted. His parents, Malachi and Carolyn Turner, were also his role models, and his mother was his mover and shaker.

His parents doted on their only child and wanted the best for him, encouraging his music career and his educational pursuits. He played in his middle school band, and at Western Alamance High School he continued his musical interests. He developed, too, an attraction for sports. Although he had a busy schedule during those years, his mother insisted that he maintain at least a “B” average in school.

At Elon College he earned an AB or applied bachelors
degree in music performance, and after graduating he performed for ten
years with a group known as “The Showmen.” But during that time, he
also veered away from the values that had been instilled in him as a
child. He learned, through experience, that even though people can go
on a downward spiral and move away from the familiar, they do not have
to remain there.

Fortunately, Anthony found a way back. “I
met someone in Asheville and began to visit here,” he says, and after a
time he relocated. A new environment and new friends helped him put his
life back on track. He began to teach as a substitute in Asheville City
Schools from Monday through Thursday, often called to Asheville Junior
High School, Claxton, and William Randolph Elementary Schools. On
weekends, during the winter and spring, he’d travel with the band, and
during the summer months he worked with the band six to seven days a
week.

Anthony attended UNCA to obtain
certification to teach in the Asheville City Schools system. He now
teaches math and science at Asheville Middle School.

He’s
on the School Management Team and does some after school tutoring.
Since he began teaching at Asheville Middle, he has also been an
assistant football coach, and he assisted Mrs. Angela Benton with the
chorus. Although teaching was not in his plans, his plans changed as he
realized that he was making a difference in children’s lives. He looks
forward everyday to opening young minds and watching as students’ eyes
light up in understanding of the concepts he teaches.

He also makes good use of his beautiful
tenor voice, serving as music director at Berry Temple United Methodist
Church. In that role he is organizing a gospel fest in celebration of
121 years of Berry Temple’s existence, planned for Friday, September 26
at 6:00 p.m. He and the members of Berry Temple are inviting other
churches to join in the gospel fest. Any church interested in
participating should call and leave a message for Anthony at (828)
259-9106.

In addition to directing the Berry Temple
choir, Anthony continues his public performances by singing at various
cultural and celebratory events in the city.

He
also sings with the well known Weston Brothers and Friends Gospel
Group, whom he met during Mrs. Agnes Jones’ 90th birthday celebration.

Mr. Turner is a positive individual, who
feels best when he’s doing something productive, promoting positive
things, or helping others. He enjoys watching people’s eyes light up
when he does something musical. His aspiration is to write, arrange,
and produce music, and get it into the hands of an accomplished artist.
Several of his songs have already been copyrighted.

Anthony still has a positive future to
look forward to. With his talents, skills, and his positive outlook on
life, he will surely accomplish the goals he has set for himself.