Kids in Tune celebrates its 15th anniversary through special concert, release of second album

Kids In Tune (KIT) celebrates 15 years of music ministry and growth this year. The children and teen choir held a special anniversary concert on Saturday, May 9, at Madison Campus Church (MCC), Tenn., where the choir released their second album, "Freedom of Your Love."

The idea of KIT came after Choir Director Gissela Kroll noticed the kids' musical talent at MCC. She also dreamed her children would be born into an established ministry. So, in September of 2007, along with Choir Coordinator Faith Martin and a couple of others, the team launched the choir intending to instill in "children a passion for Jesus, worship, and service."

"That is why we are a non-audition choir," Kroll said. "Whoever wants to participate is welcomed. We just want children to be involved and inspired."

The choir first started with 20 children and now boasts over 80 participants, including those in the alternative groups, Teens In Tune and Dudes in Tune.

In 2013, KIT released its first album, "Thankful Heart," and published a curriculum for choirs and churches who wanted to start a similar ministry. The Tennessee-based group has now inspired the creation of dozens of choirs and children's ministries worldwide, including in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

"It is so rewarding and special to receive videos of children worshipping using our songs from all parts of the world," Kroll said. "We feel truly honored that God has opened the doors for us to serve in this way."

In October of 2021, KIT released their second album, "Freedom of Your Love." Out of the 12 songs in the album, 7 are original pieces written by Kroll, Kids In Tune alumni and present members, KIT parents, and MCC members.

Kroll says it takes an extreme amount of commitment and effort to lead a ministry for this long. However, it is all worth it when she sees these children and teens growing up and having the opportunity to worship and serve. She prays it will be a lifelong practice for them.

"You're never too young to follow the Great Commission," Kroll said. "God is calling us into sharing the gospel, and that's what we are doing… [KIT] has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This ministry was God's idea, and His plans are always better than mine."