|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Gateway
College Music Conference--Unprecedented Praise 2007 April 9, 2007 Reviewed by James Simms Concurrent with those independently seeking success within
the music industry (save the help of big dollar music vendors), the entire
universe appears to be operating on a self-help agenda. Whether the artistic
corporate rebel type or simply an amateur music mogul, the term “DIY”
describes a generation of initiative takers. “Do it yourself” is the
resounding theme available to all individuals of various disciplines, requiring
only one small yet potent price to be paid: self-motivation. A phenomenon that echoes this theme and has swept the nation,
especially the Evangelical churches of our day, is the idea of a clinic or
conference. Typically lasting no longer than an insignificant winter cough, it
takes no more than a week to accomplish (or at least teach) several months’
worth of instruction in a particular subject of study.
In today’s case the subject of discussion is music, specifically church
music. These church music conferences, though a rigorous task to
administrate, are in general financially fruitful to the host while exceedingly
beneficial to those enrolled. Masters of the musical trade have the opportunity
to fellowship with their peers as they, together with a complete roster of
instructors and professors, share and shove (in some cases) as much as the sum
of their life experiences into less than an hour’s length of time. What a
task! An Alternative Picture this instead:
Put all of this together, and it equals one music conference. Cost of production: Thousands Cost of the experience: Priceless The Reality On March 14-16, 2007, ministerial training in music married
excellence through education and marked the birth of such an experience.
These three days represent only a small portion of those events among the
universal clinic phenomenon, which simply exists for the task of breeding
ambitious do-it-yourself-ers. More accurately, these dates represent those
events tagged as being aligned with a heavenly heartbeat. Gateway College of Evangelism, self-described as “striving
for excellence with a passion for ministry,” earned its stripes, or rather,
lived up to its aforementioned motto, by hosting “Unprecedented Praise
2007,” marking the 4-year anniversary for the already nationally-acclaimed
conference. Led by (a now-relieved) Jeremy and Barbie Hoffee, every year is
a journey through much-involved preparation for this operation. Gateway College
is not a large college, but the annual conference reaches far beyond local
appeal. From coast to coast this event in the middle of the U.S. map makes
waves. Classes and Instructors Each hour six classes were held, with subjects from how to be
a more effective worship leader to balancing the relationship of pastor to music
minister in a church. There were
classes of how to enhance one’s awareness of vocal maintenance and technique.
Other seminars focused on a specific instrument. Taught by individuals with
years of experience and education, each class was jam-packed with information. Among the clinicians were Kevin Howard, Wayne Francis, Cortt
Chavis, Dedie Cooley, and others involved in full-time ministry. Though incredibly beneficial, the content, connectivity, and
charisma of the classes weren’t the highlight of the conference.
“Unprecedented Praise 2007” was a high-charged, spirit-filled rally. ‘Worship and the Word,’ held as a general chapel session
during the day, facilitated a deeply reverent interaction with God through
preaching as Rev. Jimmy Toney (Omaha, NE) and Rev. Scott Graham (Florissant, MO)
spoke with great conviction to all involved. Moreover, while the evening activities of the event could
have so easily developed into harmless Christian entertainment, from the first
night it became evident that this concert series would evolve into so much more:
an extension of the day’s chapel gathering. God desired to communicate with
His people. His mission was accomplished. Each concert led to an altar call,
where the lives of those attending would not be the same. Friday night the
Gateway College Choir, Chorale, and United performed and recorded several songs.
Of 14 songs performed, 10 were songs penned by Gateway students. The material
was original and unknown by most, yet the crowd was receptive and responsive to
God’s agenda. The Word is Power You have heard it said that knowledge is power. More
specifically, there are nearly 200 individuals that would attest to the fact
that the instructors empowered them at this year’s music conference. What is
more notable than that is their allowance of God’s empowerment. As ministers
in a DIY generation, there is a dire need to be still and know that God is God.
It is only then that what has never before happened can occur, breeding a truly
unprecedented experience. Make plans now to attend this dynamic conference next
year--March 12-14, 2008. ninetyandnine.com © 2007, James Simms ----------- James Simms is currently a student attending
Gateway College of Evangelism in Florissant, MO. As a 20 year-old junior,
aspiring to be a professional recording artist, he has been producing music for
the past six years. He has served as production assistant on the two latest
Gateway albums, and released his own album, My
World, in 2006 and is currently working on a second solo project slated
for summer 2007. To learn more about James and his Rockin' new album, visit www.myspace.com/jamesaverysimms
or download
free tunes. |
|
|
