Brandon Gospel Choir has soul

By Kira Thomas 

The HCC Brandon Campus is bringing new talent to its student body by adding a gospel choir.
HCC’s Peculiar People Ministries started out as a vision of Michelle Shine, 20, an education major. Shine directed and organized a gospel choir at Brandon High School and wanted to start one at HCC as well.
Shine is now the president of the gospel choir. “We hope to bring people closer, helping them understand who God is, so they can have a relationship with God and feel his presence,” said Shine.
Hoping the choir can be a safe haven for students, she wants to make her peers feel at home while doing something they love. The choir originated in the fall of 2008. Their performances and activities include singing, praise dancing, miming, and community service projects. “Any HCC student with a 2.0-grade point average can be in the choir, talent is not really needed, just a love for the Lord,” said Shine. According to Shine, anybody who loves performing in the arts, whether it’s dancing, acting, or singing could play a big role in Peculiar People Ministries.
Brenda Johnson agreed to be the club’s adviser after hearing Shine sing a gospel song on campus.
“My background is singing too, and I was very impressed by Michelle’s voice and her idea of starting the choir on this campus,” said Johnson while smiling at Shine.
Johnson said that she is very proud to be a part of such a talented group.
Johnson’s role as the club adviser is to act as an overseer, giving direction to the students and offering comfort when needed. She works very closely with Dr. Earl Paul, Student Government adviser of the Brandon campus, organizing the choir and booking performances.
HCC’s Peculiar People Ministries’ treasurer, Devan Williams, 19, said he believes that the choir is really going to go far.
“The choir works with anyone who wants to be in it.”
Williams enjoys working with the choir and believes the choir is ordained by God.
“I would like to see the choir membership increase and transcend, even after the current members have gone on to universities.”
Peculiar People Ministries has rehearsals Mondays from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Thursdays from 2 PM to 4 PM, and Fridays from 12 PM to 4 PM. in the BACA building, room 106.