Penn State Behrend Ultimate Praise Gospel Choir began in the fall of 1996 under the direction of Min. Brandy Whiting, a biology major, and Ms. Danielle Marshall, a political science major. The absence of a gospel choir at the college, and their desire to fellowship with other believers prompted them to start Ultimate Praise. Danielle Marshall served as the choir’s president and Brandy Whiting was the vice president. Though small in size, Ultimate Praise was faithful in their service at Behrend and in the Erie community. In the summer of 1999, Danielle prayed for new members who would be dedicated to the choir and allow its ministry to grow. The Lord heard her prayer and sent new members to the choir; members that were committed to being examples of how to live as Christian young adults. During this time the choir ministered at various churches in Erie, PA; White Plains, NY; and Washington, D.C. A mime troupe was also developed under the direction of freshman Jennifer Foulks. Both Brandy and Danielle graduated in the spring of 2000, but Ultimate praise continued to minister and change the lives of the people on Behrend’s campus. Other presidents have included Sheika (Brown) Cooper, Adrianne Abney, Natasha Gayle, and Delmon Lindsay.
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choir has also been blessed to have a number of musicians from the Erie community help out during rehearsals and concerts. They include Wendell Woodard of Cornerstone Liberty Community Church, Apostle LeRoy K. Ladson of Christ Church of Transfiguration, Pastor Ivan Pretlow of Joy Church International, Rev. Darrell Cook, Cory Cook, Pat Lyons, Jared Lyons, and Jonathon Baker of Shiloh Baptist Church, and most recently, Min. Mike Jones of New Life and Spirit Revival Center. In 2001 the choir adopted the vision, “United, Led by the Spirit.” This theme recognizes that the only way we can be effective witnesses is to be on one accord and be influenced by the anointing of God.
