November 2006 marked the beginning of a new quartet in gospel music. Formed by Phil Toler and Kevin Hester, Breakaway has emerged as an up-and-coming quartet in the southern gospel music industry. 

The name, Breakaway, was submitted to the group by Richard Epler, Associate Pastor of Calvary Crossroad Church in Santa Fe, TX. Upon hearing the suggested name, the guys knew immediately that they had heard a name with profound meaning, and shortly thereafter, adopted it for the group. “We all are held captive by our sin,” says manager of the group, Phil Toler. He goes on to say, “The blood of Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin; thus, breaks us away from its captivity, allowing us to live a life more abundant in Christ.

A little about the guys….. 

Phil Toler sings baritone for Breakaway, and is the group’s manager. Phil is no stranger to gospel music. He began playing drums at the age of 5 with his parents, Del and Lilly Toler. He was one of the youngest drummers in WV in a time when drums were not widely accepted in worship services. At age 9, Phil began playing the bass guitar and singing harmony. By age 15, he was playing the keyboard and singing baritone for the Tolers. Later in life, he formed, Entrusted, a mixed trio who were widely known in the southern gospel music industry. While with Entrusted, Phil shared the stage with some of the finest names in gospel music and developed some wonderful relationships. Now, Phil is very excited about assembling a quartet that has a very unique sound and a heartfelt desire for ministry. 

Phil is the Worship Leader at Calvary Crossroad Church in Santa Fe, TX.  He also owns and operates, The Tracking Station, a recording studio dedicated to bringing the “Nashville sound” to local and regional artists. If you are looking for a studio or a producer for your next project, contact Phil via the studio link on the group’s website. 

Phil is the proud dad of two daughters, Alyssa Lyn and Alexa Leigh Toler. 

Kevin Hester sings lead for Breakaway. Kevin began his musical career at age 5, singing in his local church. By age 7, he began traveling around the state. He formed his first group, Heartbeat, at the age of 15 and traveled with them for about 6 years before entering college. Kevin attended Houston Baptist University for 4 years on a full vocal scholarship, and once out of college he went to work for Houston’s First Baptist Church as Media Director. 

Kevin and his wife Kim first met in 4th grade. After maintaining a close friendship for more than half their lives, they decided to wed. In 2003, Kevin and Kim became proud parents of their first son, Samuel Joseph. The Hesters recently had an addition to the family; Caleb Nathaniel was born May 4, 2007. Caleb weighed 7.25 lbs and was 20" long.  Kevin is blessed to have a family that is committed to sharing God’s message through song, enthusiastically supporting him every step of the way in his ministry. 

Kevin serves as Technical Arts Director at Clear Creek Community Church, located in League City, TX. Kevin and Kim are excited about the opportunity God has granted them at this great church, and are thrilled with the community where God has placed them. 

Upon their move to League City, Kevin and Phil began talking through the possibility of forming a new quartet. Their long-standing friendship and working relationship seemed like a perfect match, and Kevin was excited about the chance to sing with such a talented group of guys. Kevin says of his experience with Breakaway: “What God has assembled in Breakaway is truly unique, and I am honored to share the stage with such a great group of Godly men.” 

Mike Sanders sings tenor for Breakaway. Mike is virtually a newcomer to gospel music. “I always had a desire to sing and have always wanted to sing in a quartet, but the opportunity never presented itself. Now, I am pleased to have such an opportunity,” says Mike. 

Mike is married to Raquel Sanders and is the father of three children. Mike served in the Marine Corp and also for the police department in Texas City, TX as an officer. 

Mike also attends Calvary Crossroad Church, and serves on the worship team. He and his family are faithful to the call that they feel God has placed upon their lives.

Breakaway’s desire is to see people breakaway from their sin by turning to God, knowing that the only hope for peace and joy is found in Jesus. 

Breakaway’s first CD, From the Crowd, was released in January 2007. It features crowd favorites, both old and new. The group is currently preparing their first custom project, with a national release date set for June 2008.