Gospel choir raises funds

As a way of raising funds for a new set of robes for the college's Gospel Choir, a gospel concert was held Friday evening at the Hilltop Community Church.

Music professor Denise Hunter said a total of 40 robes have already been requested.

The cost for the set of new robes is more than $4,300, however, choir member Vera Gordon said.

Since the large amount of money was not expected to be raised in full by Friday's concert, the choir has scheduled a movie night to take place on March 26.

The robes they are currently using were donated by De Anza College seven years ago, Gordon said.

"They weren't brand new robes (when we got them). I'm guessing they were probably 10 or 12 years old when we got them," she said.

Gordon said their current robes are in very poor condition.

"We have to tape them at the bottom because the (seams are) torn," she said. "Plus, our choir is growing, so even if we still used these robes there would not be enough of them for everyone."

Among other performers at Friday's performance were the praise team, gospel rappers Morysvelle from Chapter Vallejo, Aaron and Kathleene Swuth, recording artists Joel and Analisa Jones, Kellen Young on keyboards, bassist Chris Matthews and drummer Lamar Mac Pearson.

The enthusiasm of the audience was unquestionably present, especially during the choir's performances and during the Turf Ministries rappers' performance, when verses were continuously sung through the crowd's cheers and applause.

"The event was great," said Lavaughn Bobo, whose daughter, Letetia Bobo, is part of the Gospel Choir. "There was a respectable amount of people, especially considering the weather, and also that it is a Friday night."

Christena Jenkins, Letetia's godmother, said she hopes for more events of this kind to take place.

"This was such an inspiring experience, and the crowd there was such a diverse crowd," she said.

Contra Costa College President McKinley Williams was in attendance and said there was a good turnout of people who demonstrated themselves to be really spirited. He said he was  impressed.

Hunter said she and the students are excited about purchasing the new robes.

"They have worked so diligently," she said. "We want to represent CCC royally."

Contact Diana Reyes at dreyes.advocate@gmail.com