Several times throughout the book of Psalms the Bible says to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Mia Tepper took those verses literally.

In 2007, the Butler resident formed the Butler Tabernacle Singers, a nonprofit organization that operates under the umbrella of Grace Youth and Family Foundation.

So far, 16 to 18 singers participate in the group, which performs gospel and contemporary worship and praise music.

"Our goal is to use high-energy music to reach our community and the surrounding area with the love of God and nurture their relationship with God and each other," Tepper said.

"While we are currently singing at nursing homes and in churches, we'd like to be more involved in community events," she added.

Tepper is a graduate of Butler High School. She obtained a bachelor's degree in music education from West Virginia University and master's in vocal performance from Louisiana State University. Tepper's music passion includes leading people into worship of God as a soloist, a worship leader and a choir director.

Organizing and directing choirs is not something new to Tepper, who used these same skills while living in New York.

"I sang with the New York City Opera in addition to teaching voice and piano," Tepper said, adding that her love of contemporary Christian music also led her to serve in music ministry.

Tepper has been director of the Staten Island Community Chorale, the Staten Island Tabernacle Singers and the Staten Island Junior Tabernacle Singers. While in New York, Tepper also led a similar community choir that was part of a church.

"I have always been inspired by the magnitude of the ministry of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir — people with real life hardships coming together with one purpose to serve the Lord in song," she said.

"I felt like Butler needs an organization that focuses on family involvement — nonchurch affiliation per se," she said, explaining singers need not be formally trained to join the Butler choir.

The group has sung in area churches and nursing homes and participated in the Moraine Park Summer Festival last year, but Tepper has a bigger vision.

"We would like to be exposed to more communitywide events — not just for the church community," Tepper said.

The choir does not charge to perform, she added.

In addition to leading the Butler Tabernacle Singers, Tepper serves as a worship administrator at New Life Christian Ministries, a teacher at Transitions High School, which is a program of Grace Youth and Family Foundation, and continues to teach private voice and piano students in her home.

Her husband, Mitch, said he was behind her all the way and shared her vision for what this ministry could mean to the participants and their audiences.

"I believe in my wife's vision for BTS. It is ministry through entertainment," he said. "There are other things I can easily devote my time to. I believe God is using this time to bring us all closer as a family at BTS and using us to minister to others by singing His word out in song."

It is the family aspect of BTS that captures the interest of Sherrie O'Donnell of Butler Township.

"This is an activity that I can do with my two daughters, ages 14 and 11," O'Donnell said.

"It is a very meaningful way that we can get more active in the community, spreading the gospel message through music. It's a great opportunity for families to do something together that takes us out of our normal routine," she said.

Marjorie Thomas of East Franklin Township has been with the group since its inception and has no formal training.

"I became involved because my daughter's voice and piano teacher is Mia, the director of the choir. She invited me, and I jumped at the chance," Thomas said.

"You don't have to be a professional singer to join," she said. "If you love to praise the Lord in song, are willing to take direction from an awesome instructor and wish to enjoy great fellowship with family and friends ... then the BTS is for you," added Thomas, who shares the experience with her daughter, Anna.

The group rehearses Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Net Outreach on Center Avenue.

To join the group, contact Tepper at 347-276-0853 or butlertab@gyff.org.