The start to Chelsey Bellnier’s journey started in 2000 with the Gwinnett Young Singers. The choir was nominated in 2002 for a Grammy Award for the CD recording of “Carmina Burana” with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Sacred Choral. Furthermore, this choir is well known for its mastery of challenging repertoire and exceptionally high musical standard. Chelsey has sung several seasons with GYS and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in "Christmas with the ASO" featuring the Atlanta Sacred Choral and the Morehouse Glee Club College. The show is annually featured in the PBS National Television Broadcast of "Christmas with Robert Shaw". Other performances she has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra include Bizet's Opera, "Carmen," "Kid's Holiday Concerts," "Hallelujah, Handel," Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana," Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem," John Adam's "El Nino", and the world-wide announced, Howard Shore's “The Lords of the Rings". Chelsey and the choir have performed in front of thousands of Music Educators at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Some of the other events Chelsey has been a part with during the Gwinnett Young Singers is the Crayola Convention, Spivey Hall in Atlanta, and both spring and fall performances at the Hudgens Art Center.
While singing with GYS, Chelsey was further vocally instructed by one of the best in the choir business, Lynn Urda. Lynn Urda holds a degree in Music Education and Voice from Florida State University School of Music. She has been a Music Specialist in the Georgia and Massachusetts public schools and has spent most of her professional life serving as a church musician, directing children, youth, and adult choirs.
In May of 2005 Chelsey had decided she wanted to pursue Country Music. The following month, Chelsey and her father traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to meet with a promotion company named “HMG Nashville”. In working through the summer, Chelsey completed album titled, "So Sweet" which was released in late December 2005. HMG produced her project, promoted it around the area and to various radio stations.
Throughout the remainder of the year, Chelsey has performed at various conventions and attended several live award shows in Nashville, one being the Christian Country Music Awards live on GAC. In addition, Chelsey had begun to work with Allison Abbott, an artist developer located in Nashville. She is the creator and president of "The Abbott Agency". Allison is also known as one of Nashville's premier background vocalist, having toured with Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Rachel Lampa.
At this point, Chelsey was gathering all types of experience that would be used a great deal in 2006. She started the year off by performing several times at a local restaurant called, The Flying Machine. There she met Ashley Rivera, who not only became a good friend, but also a partner in music. Ashley then introduced Chelsey to the Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association (GCGMA) and encouraged her to become a member. Upon becoming a member, GCGMA booked her for many events, which lead her to winning the title of “New Country Duo with Ashley Rivera 2006”, “New Country Vocalist of the Year 2006”, and “New Country Album of the Year 2006” at the GCGMA Awards. In March of 2007 she traveled to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to perform at the Country Tonite Theatre for the National American Music Awards Association. During this adventure, she won the same titles after competing with country artists from all over the United States, ranging in ages from 13-20 years old.
Throughout the rest of 2006, Chelsey had been performing large events; she was also participating in smaller local events including fairs, festivals, competitions, holiday shows, and occasionally the national anthem.
BIOGRAPHY IS ONLY UPDATED UP UNTIL 2006, more to be edited.
Other Nominations and Awards:
Top Teen Country Singer of GA 2007
GCGMA Entertainer of the Year
Nominated for Entertainer of the Year for North American Country Music Assosication International.
