Wes Hampton, tenor for the Trevedores during 1996-1998, has been selected as the new tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band, replacing David Phelps, who left the group in order to pursue a career as a soloist. Wes ìofficiallyî begins working with the Vocal Band on September 9; however, he has already sung with them at a few events, such as the Billy Graham Crusade in New York earlier this summer.

    Wes, who also studied at the University of Alabama, was chosen for the group by audition. Prior to accepting this position with the Vocal Band, he had been serving as a minister of worship. About Hamptonís selection, Bill Gaither said in a press release, ìOur audiences have graciously trusted our choices as we have brought new talent into the Vocal Band over the years, and I want to honor that trust with a very careful selection process. I am very optimistic about this new chapter in the life of the Vocal Band.î

    Wes is married to Andrea Means Hampton and is the father of Barrett, their fifteen-month-old son. Andrea is a 1998 graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a marriage and family therapist in practice in Birmingham, Alabama, at the I Found Hope Counseling Center. Wes and Andrea are expecting their second child. More information about the Hampton family can be found on www.weshampton.com.

    In addition to Wes Hampton, the Gaither Vocal Band is composed of Bill Gaither, Marshall Hall, and Guy Penrod. The Vocal Bandís concert schedule and other information can be found on www.gaithernet.com.