I cannot tell you the excitement the rushed over me as I read the e-mail from the best semester programs. "I am happy to inform you that you have been accepted as a student in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities’ Contemporary Music Center for the Spring 2007 semester." Our God is so good. October 31, 2006 I heard the great news. My roommate Amy can attest to the fact that I thought I didn't make it long before I even got acceptance word. But, here I am...getting ready to go!
I first heard about the program as I sat in class last fall (2005) and listened to my teacher, Kathy Bruner, talk about it. My eyes filled up with tears as she explained what the program was about. Kathy asked me after class if something was wrong, I said nothing is wrong but that she has presented me my dream from the age of 3 on a silver platter, I just had to get there. The application process has been a struggle at times and I almost didn't even push send when it came time to submit it. But God has opened doors and for that I am so thankful. I have no clue what next spring will look like, but I know God wants me there for a reason. I am excited to see where He takes this phase of my life.
Being a communications new media major this actually does nothing for my major, I am taking a step out into the unknown and I am so excited about it. People often ask me what I want to do and this is what I think, "God has given me so many passions and abilities. I want to be the best I can be in as many areas as I can in order to be used by God in the best way." Who knows, I might never be on the stage again after next spring (doubt it) but I do know that God has stepped in and done the impossible.
check out the program at www.bestsemester.com then click on "Contemporary Music Center"
In case you were wondering, here is part of my application...the questions they asked me and my answers to them:
I’m considering a career in music because…
Expressing my feelings through music is my passion. When I am performing, I feel fully myself and totally alive. My soul is energized with anticipation at being able to delight and inspire my audience. Whether helping lead worship in chapel at Taylor University, singing a solo in church, or portraying a melody of love in a musical, I find pure joy in bringing enjoyment to others and glory to God through singing.
When I consider the role of music in the world today, I realize music is a means through which we all communicate. It is a universal language. We send a message of life, love, heartache, joy, sorrow, healing and worship through each note and melody. No matter the nation or language, music reaches to the hearts of the entire world. Even if we as humans were to stop making music, we would still hear the music of the wind whistling through the trees, the melodies of the crickets on a still summer evening, and the drum beat of a thunderstorm through the dark night. God joins us in making music.
Because music is something to which the entire world can relate, I want to use my music as a ministry. I want to perform in children’s hospitals, for our soldiers in the armed forces, in inner city venues, and in places where the less fortunate rarely have the opportunity to enjoy a live concert. My goal is to spread a message of love and compassion to the poor in spirit. I want to bring hope to a world where hope is lost. God has given me the gift of song, and with it I want to reach the nations with His love and acceptance.
Would you prefer to work in Christian Music or Secular Music and explain why?
As a Christian, I struggle to understand what my role is in this broken world. I want desperately to share the love and hope God can bring to those who will listen. I want to reach my world at large, so does that translate to necessarily being a secular artist, or is it possible to record on a Christian label and have the same effectiveness?
The apostle Paul tells us that we must become involved with those we really want to reach. Christians are exhorted not to be of this world, yet we are supposed to be in the world in order to effectively communicate to those who are seeking truth. I am of the conviction that I cannot leave God out of my music, yet I am not adamant about needing the “Christian Music” label in order to accomplish my goal. God is a part of my everyday life. Whether I record under a secular label or a Christen label, as long as I can portray the desire of my heart and uphold a life of integrity, I am willing to use whichever venue is the most effective. In all areas of my life, it is my desire to do what God has planned for me.
I believe as Christians we have an important responsibility to live a life of integrity without needing to label everything we do as “Christian.” Neither is it necessary to lay a heavy burden of conviction on everyone to whom our artistry ministers. We are called to be lights in a darkened world. A Christian’s responsibility is to walk in the light of Christ, and from there we will shine to a world in need of illumination. If this can be effectively accomplished under a secular label, this would be my preference, for I feel my message of hope and help would reach a broader spectrum.
List three things about the current state of music that you think need to change.
1. Lyrics
It is astonishing to observe the inappropriate behavior and verbiage exhibited in the lives of adolescents today. Parents wonder why their children are so focused on swearing, drugs, kissing, sex or violence. Statistics show an alarming number of teenagers have had sex before they enter college, underage drinking is common, and violence is a growing problem in our schools. What is wrong with his picture? There are a lot of contributing factors, but a huge finger can be pointed at movies and music. The lyrics of songs and lifestyles of the artists often encourage or treat as acceptable detrimental and degrading behaviors.
The music industry needs to promote music that encourages respect for others and confronts challenging life issues. Why do we allow male vocalists to belittle the status of women? Although the female artist may be beautiful, does she need to sing about being a “sex toy” for every male that comes along?
In my opinion, there needs to be a more consistent form of lyrical censorship so that we can work together to curb the immorality, sex and violence that permeates songs today and which is being instilled in the minds of our vulnerable youth.
2. Life style of musicians
I am grieved at the unhealthy life style choices being displayed by artists and the way the media glamorizes their behavior to our society’s impressionable youth. The message being commonly relayed is “be yourself” or “if it feels good, do it.” This is a selfish mentality that ignores the well-being of others. If you have to cheat, lie, steal, slander, or compromise one’s principles to make it to the top, after all, that’s “show biz.” Meanwhile, honest hard-working individuals are left drowning in the wake of blatant corruption.
Too many “clothing malfunctions” are actually premeditated intrusion on decency. When they occur, there needs to be strict enforcement of decency regulations and the perpetrators should be strictly disciplined. Our youth need to hear and know that certain practices are inappropriate and unacceptable; the artists at fault must be held accountable for distasteful and/or detrimental choices.
Today’s youth are crying out for positive role models.
There needs to be a standard, and that standard should be upheld consistently and firmly.
3. Christian Radio Stations
As I have stated before we need more positive music with integrity and good morals flooding the airwaves. It is no surprise adolescents searching for up-to-date pop music will go searching elsewhere from their local Christian radio station which still plays songs from the 80s. Some cities don’t even have the option of a Christian radio station. Adolescents choose the secular station because they are looking for a specific style of music and the Christian station in their area is letting them down. I do not believe most of the teenagers intentionally fill their minds with garbage, yet they do it because they want to enjoy the music. They do it for the style, the beat, and the sound of the music, not necessarily the words spoken.
There are good Christian artists who help promote healthy lyrics while holding to the styles enjoyed by teens today. Unfortunately, many adolescents are not acquainted with these musicians. Their view of Christians in general and Christian artists in particular has been skewed, and so they choose to listen only to secular music that focuses regularly on unhealthy immoral behavior.
I want to see the Christian music industry push harder to have a solid Christian radio station aimed at teens in every big city in the US. If we are to go into all the nations as Jesus commands than we need to build up our own nation.
