The Defence Academy recently welcomed celebrated gospel singer Monique Mcken and her sister, acclaimed choir director Denise Wilson to Beckett House as part of the team delivering the second Defence Christian Network Gospel Worship Retreat.
Denise and Monique along with their four siblings performed as 'The Reid Family' during their formative years, following in their families’ footsteps as prominent gospel musicians.
To mark Black History Month, and this year’s theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters,’ they have been sharing the impact working with defence personnel during the three-day retreat had on them.
Denise:
" Working with this choir was quite unique. Usually, I work with people who already see themselves as singers with an affiliation to gospel music. But this was different in that you had a diverse mix of people, of varying backgrounds, life experiences, and levels of faith. Some had experience of singing in a choir or at their church, but others just sang in the shower.
I never thought I could be a part of something like this. I have always stayed in my zone, working with church choirs. It was exciting for me to see what is possible."
Monique:
"Seeing the transformation of people who started the week as strangers, coming out of their shells, connecting as people outside of their service or rank structure, experiencing the joy of gospel music was beautiful to watch.
The reaction was incredible. When we did the first retreat there was no previous blueprint to go from, no brief, no idea of what would happen, or even if it would work. So we helped shape it alongside members of the Defence Christian Network and within five minutes of hearing themselves, Denise and her contagious enthusiasm had created a choir!"
What does this year’s Black History Month theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ mean to you?
Denise:
"I hope ‘Saluting our Sisters’ will remind others how special the bond between sisters is, allowing people to express their gratitude to their sisters for standing up for them in good and bad times. That includes within families or women supporting each other in a broader sense too."
Monique:
"My sisters are the ones that encourage and support me in every way. They are my biggest cheer leaders. If it had not been for my sisters, I would have never entered the BBC Gospel Singer of the Year competition in 2021 and be where I am now."