By Tracy L. Darity
Thirty-four year-old Donald Brunson, like many musicians, got his start as a youngster playing for his childhood church. The married father of two daughters, first started out by trying to play the drums, but the piano would ultimately become his gift.
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runson, who majored in music at the University of West Florida, in Pensacola, was hired as a musician at Mt. Zion a little over a year ago. It did not take long for Minister of Music, Dr. K. Bernard Parrott, to realize his leadership abilities. In November 2013, Brunson was named Director of Music, placing him second in command and director of the Mt. Zion’s Generation Restored Young Adult Choir. He considers it an honor to learn from someone of Dr. Parrott’s caliber. In 2013, the Generation Restored choir was formed to provide an up-tempo contemporary sound which is geared towards those eighteen to thirty-five years of age. However, Brunson does not want to restrict anyone who has the desire to serve and the talent to add to the group’s dynamics. He says he enjoys working with the choir because not only is it a fun group of people, but it also gives him
room to be diverse and grow an awesome ministry. His enthusiasm to work with others is evident. According to Brunson, “At Mt. Zion I see a broader aspect of music. We have dance arts, mime, choirs and the band. There is just so much more to learn (for myself) and to teach others.” As Pastor Murphy closes out the series, Life of a Dreamer, Brunson shares that in ten years he hopes to be a Minister of Music of a church…still leading people in worship freely and without pressure. When asked about his talent and love of music, Brunson likens himself to the character Devon Miles, played by actor Nick Cannon, in the movie Drumline. “I believe my passion (for music) comes from God…It’s just a God given talent,” he says, adding that he has been in church since he was a baby, growing up admiring church musicians. He cites
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successful gospel artist like John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton and Jason Nelson as sources of inspiration. He has had the privilege of working with gospel recording artists such as James Bignon, and Detrick Haddon of Preachers of LA. With Haddon, he was a member of the choir performing on the live recording of Together in Worship, featuring the Voices of Unity. Brunson and his wife Lateresa, have two daughters, Jamiia (15) and Amari (9). Outside of music, he enjoys rollerblading and supporting the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a graduate of Gibbs High School, where he played baritone in the band and also ran track. Generation Restored Young Adult Choir is recruiting new members. If interested in joining, rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary.