By Monty Siekerman
The floor shook!
The 30th annual ONU Gospel Ensemble got off to a rousing start in McIntosh Center ballroom on Sunday afternoon when Danielle Gardner led family members in several foot stomping, hand clapping songs of praise. And, she gave a sermonette.
MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY -
She is a cousin of Adriane Thompson-Bradshaw, the organizer and director of the ONU choir for the past 30 years. Danielle, Adriane, and several other family members sang praises to God before a standing room only crowd, and the audience joined in.
The performance was not only recognition to the choir's 30 years, but also a tribute to Adriane's efforts to it over three decades.
She was presented a bouquet of flowers from the Marching Band. Many former choir members were present. For many years, she has been active in the choir of her local church, Philippian Missionary Baptist Church in Lima. And they were there to sing, too.
It's an annual occurrence for the Toledo Youth Choir to join the ONU Gospel Ensemble for its spring performance. They sang Sunday, as well.
Adriane's day job? Vice President of Student Affairs. Somehow, she does it all with style and grace.
She wrote this in the program, "We first want to acknowledge and thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Today we celebrate 30 years of God's faithfulness to this group!"
Photo: President Dan DiBiasio, Adriane Thompson-Bradshaw, President Emeritus DeBow Freed. The choir continues during Dr. DiBiasio's leadership; Dr. Thompson-Bradshaw, choir founder and director; Dr. DeBow Freed, who led ONU when the choir began.
