Corey Robert
Corey Robert grew up listening to an eclectic array of music. His father listened to various 80’s music and Christian hard rock bands. While his grandmother introduced him to the music of the 40’s 50’s and 60’s.
He first became interested in music and started playing piano in the second grade. Using broomsticks and tissue boxes as a guitar, he made music with whatever he could find around the house. After five years of piano lessons, he suddenly found a greater interest in playing the guitar. While still in the fifth grade his parents bought him a beginner’s guitar and a DVD offering guitar lessons. He began to watch that DVD every day to learn chords and basic guitar playing. Blessed again by his parents, they bought him his first electric guitar in the sixth grade along with actual guitar lessons.
“It was funny,” Corey says, “We had five electric guitarists, a drummer, and another acoustic guitar player/singer who also was our youth pastor. It was somewhat chaotic.”
It was a rough beginning but with patience and practice the group slowly began to sort things out and develop. Corey was able to use his piano abilities and switch to playing keyboard for the band.
“What was cool was seeing the band develop in their relationships with Christ and incorporate that into the worship.”
While playing in the church youth band Corey met Lee King. Lee liked Corey’s vocals and asked if he would come by and practice with a rock band Lee had put together.
“I always had wanted to be in a rock band! This was a dream come true (laughs)”
As the years progressed Corey and Lee became very close friends.
“He’s an extremely intelligent guy with a passionate heart and amazing guitar skills.”
A major turning point for Corey came during the East Coast Chain Reaction ministry that came to York, PA.
“My youth pastor was supposed to lead the youth band but couldn’t make it to the Saturday evening service.” So Corey was asked to lead.
“I laughed,” Corey said. “I thought he was joking. There were much more experienced people there that could have lead. When I got up on stage the first thing I said in the microphone was, ‘I am a little nervous, I have never done this before.’ Little did I know that it was the beginning of a passionate desire to know and worship God with all my heart!”
After his performance that night he was paid many encouraging complements but nothing was worth more than the flame that was ignited in his heart.
“Over the next year my youth pastor, Jared, let me lead the youth band more and more as time passed. I didn’t realize until later that he was mentoring me to be a worship leader. He made a huge impact on my life. God just seemed to continue to bless me with godly friends and teachers. Words can’t express my thankfulness.”
By the age of fourteen, Corey was leading worship for the youth band and occasionally for Sunday services.
In 2006 CityView church went through some leadership transitions, including the loss of its worship leader. As the leadership of the church began reorganizing its new leadership teams, Corey was integrated as one of three new worship leaders at the church.
Currently, Corey is taking his passion for worship to churches across Pennsylvania.
“I want to take my passion for intercessory prayer and worship everywhere I can.”
His debut album is set to be released at the end of July. It is entitled “Passion.”
“I want to encourage people to never stop living life passionately for Jesus Christ, no matter what you’re called to do.”
Corey is now 16 and lives in York, PA.