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Velvet has been singing about the story of
God’s amazing love since she was a toddler. Velvet’s desire to sing
continued through grade school and high school, leading her to
opportunities in college that she never dreamed she would be apart
of.
Velvet attended Tomlinson College (TC), Cleveland, TN, from the Fall
of 1987 to the Spring of 1989 where she earned an Associate Degree
in Business Administration. During the two years that Velvet
was at TC, she was a member of the TC Chorale which was under
the direction of Larry Duncan. Velvet traveled with the TC
Chorale all across the United States singing at church services,
youth conferences and assemblies giving her talent to the Lord and
accepting His calling into music evangelism.
In the Spring of 1989, Velvet returned to her hometown, Columbus,
OH, where she worked at a secular job full-time and attended The
Ohio State University. Velvet stayed committed to her
local church where she was the worship leader and
children’s music director for the next few years. She also
sang with the TC alumni trio, AZ-1, recruiting new students
through the TC Admissions Office.
Velvet attended Lee University, Cleveland, TN, from
January 1992 to May 1994, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in
Business Administration with a Minor in Music and a Minor in Bible.
While at Lee, Velvet sang with Power Unlimited, an ensemble of eight
vocalists from Campus Choir. Power Unlimited, under the
direction of the late Dr. David Horton, traveled throughout the US and to foreign countries, (i.e. Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Trinidad and
Tobago, Finland and Greece), sharing the gospel of Christ through
music.
After graduating from Lee University, Velvet sang with Pathway
Singers, the official traveling ensemble for the International
Offices of the Church of God, Cleveland, TN directed by Terrell
Brinson and the Voice of
Salvation Singers, the official traveling ensemble for the
International offices of The Church of God of Prophecy, Cleveland,
TN under the ministry of Billy Wilson. In January 1996, Velvet returned to Columbus
and accepted the
position of Music Minister at Eagles Nest Fellowship Church of
God where she served until 1998.
In 1998, Velvet moved to Nashville, TN. While in
Nashville, Velvet sang with the nationally-known Christ Church Choir until
2000. The Christ Church Choir was/is under the direction
of Landy and Joy Gardner.
September 15, 2006,
Velvet participated in the Talent Contest at the National Quartet
Convention in Louisville, KY and was honored as the 3rd Place
winner of the solo division competition which included a recording
contract.
Velvet's opportunities
have expanded into opportunities to support and sing at charity
events for Nationwide Children's Hospital and other organizations
benefiting medical, humanitarian and goodwill services for helping
those in need.
As a vocalist, Velvet has had the privilege to sing backup with recording artists’
Judy Jacobs, Phil Driscoll, Babbie Mason, Michael
English, Ron Kenoly and Alvin Slaughter. Velvet has recorded
ground vocals with Hosanna Integrity on their praise and worship
albums, Alvin Slaughter’s God Can and Ron Kenoly’s Sing
Out.
Christ has been Velvet’s hero in all
aspects of her life. His grace and mercy has provided strength
and His faithfulness is everlasting. Her commitment to share
Christ reveals a compelling testimony. Her traits of kindness
and simplicity bring an optimistic view about the trials that one
may encounter and the never wavering touch of God that can transform
one’s life. Her joy and loving spirit is evident as she sings.
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