art & soul in every issue Photography by Laura McBryde
Angel
NEIL YOCK
W
HEN ANGEL YOCK WAS TWO , she received her first mini-piano from her parents . She loved to sing and make up songs about Jesus as she played away on the ivory keys , songs that her parents preserved on cassette tapes . At the age of eight , Angel began formal piano lessons , learning how to read music and play classically . God gifted her with the ability to play by ear as well . This skill often came in handy as Angel grew up in the Lake City Church of God . Often , she would play on the spur of the moment when someone felt God ’ s calling to sing . “ Music is my primary method of expression . I can easily worship , celebrate , and even sulk by listening to a different playlist . What I love about singing is that I have a tool with which I can share those emotions with others … except maybe the sulking !”
Another passion she discovered during her childhood was teaching . “ I feel like I was born to be a teacher . My mom recalls me teaching my sister to read before she was four years old .” In high school , Angel ’ s talent was influenced by her teacher , Mrs . Lynn Tyler . “ She let me play piano for chapel and graduations , and she also let me help her direct the children ’ s musicals . She had faith in my talents and recognized my potential . She encouraged me , and always told the truth with grace .” After graduating from New Prospect Christian School , Angel enrolled at Erskine College , where her advisor suggested Music Education . The only plans she had in mind at the time were to make music . Combining both of her loves , Music Education was a perfect choice . “ My classes provided a much deeper understanding of music . Other students like me would practice many hours each day . After taking our core classes , we spent our free time in the music building , living and breathing music . Those ladies and gentlemen are currently music educators and church musicians across the country , and we still challenge and encourage one another . I was very blessed to be part of such a special group .” During this time , she was fortunate to have yet another inspirational teacher , Dr . Porter Stokes . “ He made me realize I could sing AND play piano . Until that point , I really had no faith in my vocal ability .”
After earning her bachelor ’ s degree in Music Education , Angel spent several years teaching elementary music . From gospel to classical , she has a passion for all music genres . She even enjoyed a brief stint in a rock band ! “ In 2003 , I was working as the chorus teacher at Johnakin Middle School while teaching private voice and piano at the Marion County School of Music . The drum teacher approached me about joining a band called Sideswiped . We
Angel Neil Yock resides in Lake City , South Carolina . She and her husband Nick have one son , Wyatt .
had a good thing going for a while , playing in local festivals , bars , and restaurants . One of the owners of the Carolina Entertainment Center heard us play , liked our sound , and asked us to be their house band . That twist of luck is how I had the opportunity to open for some great bands , including Steppenwolf , Lynyrd Skynyrd , and Big and Rich .” She continues , “ But , there were things about it that made me nervous . Most women I know are prone to worry about their weight , and I was no exception . In 2006 , I had my son , and I remember taking band pictures and barely having squeezed into my jeans !” What she was confident in , however , was her singing ability . “ I absolutely loved singing for all those people . The lights , the huge sound and the excitement I felt back stage were great memories . I learned so much in those years that helped make me the musician I am now . I know a great deal about sound systems , which helps me very much in my current job . I can also tell my students about being in recording studios , contracts , and having songs published . As a musician , I learned that I am diverse . I could wail with the band on the weekends and then teach kids how to sing in Latin with good choral technique during the week at school . I would sit at the piano when friends were around and play everything from Chopin to Bob Segar . I definitely do not fit in one box ! I am always learning , always growing .” Although she left the band to spend more time with her son , Angel would love to do it again one day . However , her family will always come first . “ There are so many blessings I have received , but the greatest so far is that my son Wyatt has a passion for music . He loves to sing and perform .”
116 AUGUST 2017 SHEMAGAZINE . COM