Story About Our Organization
Our Mission
At Resonates Well, we are deeply committed to promoting student well-being and tackling the challenges of loneliness and isolation among students. We believe in the transformative power of gospel choir singing and the creation of vibrant, student-led communities. Our mission is to use music as a tool to foster personal growth, emotional resilience, and strong social connections.
Our Founder's Vision
Lorraine Wright-Boateng, the founder of Resonates Well, has always been passionate about the power of music to bring people together and create positive change. With over a decade of experience leading the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY), Lorraine has seen firsthand how gospel music can uplift spirits, build communities, and empower individuals. Her vision is to extend this transformative experience to as many students as possible, fostering environments where they can thrive both emotionally and socially.
Lorraine
Wright-Boateng
MBA MBE
About Our
Founder
Lorraine, a visionary leader passionate about the transformative power of music and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.
With her unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of inclusivity, Lorraine has been instrumental in shaping the vibrant musical landscape of gospel music in the UK through the organization University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY), she founded in 2011.
UGCY is an annual competition that aims to bring together talented and diverse individuals through music, encouraging them to strive for excellence and exceed their own limitations, whilst inspiring the young and old in all walks of life.
Lorraine was recognised with an MBE for her services to young people through music by the Late Queen Elizabeth II on the 2021 Birthday Honors List.
Lorraine's deep-rooted belief...
in the potential of choirs as catalysts for personal growth, well-being, and social change has been the driving force behind Resonates Well. Her 12 years of experience as the founder of UGCY leading and working with a strong volunteer team of 40+ individuals has provided her with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring singers and students.
Our mission
Our initiatives are centered on 3 main pillars
Community &
Well-being
We recognise the profound impact of gospel music on the well-being of students. We use the universal language of music to promote social cohesion and create safe spaces where students can find solace, connections and express their emotions.
By integrating well-being initiatives into our programs, we provide holistic support and empower students to navigate the challenges of university life.
Diversity
&
Inclusion
Resonates Well’s UGCY competition is a platform that celebrates the rich tapestry of diversity beyond the Christian faith.
Our competitions bring together students from diverse backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and talents.
We foster an inclusive environment that values every participant and promotes cultural exchange, understanding, and unity.
Empowering Future Leaders
UGCY has nurtured countless future leaders by equipping them with essential life skills and fostering personal growth. Over 300 choir leaders have prepared their choirs to enter and participate in the competition.
Through mentorship, capacity-building workshops, and networking opportunities, we empower students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Our partner
Our History
Origin
Resonates Well evolved
from the success of the UGCY,
An initiative that began as a platform to showcase the talents of university gospel choirs across the UK. Over the years, UGCY became more than a competition; it became a movement, inspiring thousands of students to engage in music and community building. Recognizing the broader impact of these activities on student well-being, Lorraine expanded the scope to form Resonates Well, a dedicated enterprise to harness the full potential of gospel music in enhancing student lives.
Backed by the former Prime Minister
- Boris Johnson
Backed by the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the former Higher Education Minister- David Lammy and Inspired by the 1993 blockbuster classic ‘Sister Act 2 – Back In The Habit’, UGCY for the past 12 years operated as a voluntary organization providing an unprecedented platform for University Gospel Choirs across the UK to develop and showcase their gospel musical abilities.
Est. Since 2011
Over 11 UK universities participation
UGCY has successfully brought together university gospel choirs from across the UK since 2011 establishing a long-held tradition that enables a unique celebration of gospel music while bringing it to wider audiences.
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