The Everything Document

The Everything Document
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORSHIP ARTS PROGRAM
Contents
Vision Statement...............................................................................................................................2
Mission Statement.............................................................................................................................2
Accreditation.....................................................................................................................................3
Careers in Worship Arts.....................................................................................................................3
4 Year Overview................................................................................................................................4
Course Descriptions..........................................................................................................................5-8
Worship Courses........................................................................................................................... 5-6
Harmonic Practices.........................................................................................................................6
Musicianship.................................................................................................................................7
Media & Technology........................................................................................................................7
Ensembles...................................................................................................................................8
Applied Lessons............................................................................................................................ 8
Worship Arts Scholarship...................................................................................................................9
Worship Arts Scholarship Application..................................................................................................10-11
Ensembles........................................................................................................................................12-13
Ensemble Ministry Trips......................................................................................................................14
Studio...............................................................................................................................................15-16
Facilities.......................................................................................................................................15
Equipment....................................................................................................................................16
Studio Assistant Position..................................................................................................................16
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Vision Statement
The Worship Arts program at Grace Bible College will transform students of diverse musical and media
abilities into creative, multi-faceted artists who excel in creating Biblically grounded, thematically focused,
multi-sensory worship experiences. It will prepare students to engage generations of people through
professional training in music and media production, in addition to a strong foundation in Bible, theology, and
general education.
Mission Statement
The Worship Arts program is designed to equip students to fulfill their call to serve God in leading others in
authentic worship. As part of that goal, we must support this generation of worship leaders in speaking the
language of today’s culture, a culture that is deeply rooted in music and contemporary media. The Worship
Arts program will therefore provide exceptional learning opportunities within first-rate facilities using the most
current music and media resources available. Furthermore, students will benefit from caring and dedicated
faculty members who will provide life-on-life mentoring both inside and outside the classroom. Through
meaningful evaluation and creative assessments of learning outcomes, students will advance competently
to graduation. Upon graduation, students will be confidently prepared to serve as musicians and media
personnel in a variety of ministry and employment positions.
Grace Bible College’s Worship Arts degree offers a unique program that can’t be found anywhere else in the
country. Blending music and media with a heart for ministry, it integrates all of the essential skills to help you
prepare Biblically grounded, multi-sensory worship experiences. Expert instructors are committed to your
success and stand ready to mentor and assist you as you grow in the following areas:
- Writing original worship songs
- Arranging music for worship
teams
- Audio recording and production
- Video editing and production
- Music theory and ear training
- Leading and rehearsing bands
- Creating worship sets and
media presentations
- Leading corporate worship
- Theology and philosophy of
worship
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- Touring with a worship team
- Private studio lessons in all styles
of Guitar, Piano, Voice, Drums, and
Strings
- Worship internships
- And much, much more
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Accreditation
Grace Bible College is fully accredited with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools, and with the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
If you feel a passion to worship the Everlasting God, Grace Bible College (GBC) invites you to join our
distinctive four-year Worship Arts program as we lead the next generation of authentic worshippers. Whether
your calling is to hit the road with a band or to invest your musical gifts in a home church, GBC desires to
help you achieve your goals. We offer professional media and music classes in a friendly, hands-on learning
environment. With a small, personal campus, Grace Bible College makes it easy for students to plug in,
build relationships, and pursue life-changing ministry opportunities. Our program exists not only to train
excellent musicians and worship leaders, but seeks to raise up men and women of God with hearts
passionate for pursuing Him every day and leading others along the way.
At an affordable price, Grace Bible College is one of the most unique Christian higher education experiences
in the nation! Come and join our talented group of students and faculty who are devoted to worshipping the
Everlasting God. Take a confident step forward and invest your gifts in a rewarding career in leading worship.
We at GBC are prepared to partner with you in this life-long pursuit. Contact us at:
(616) 538-2330 http://www.gbcol.edu/academics/programs-of-study/worship-arts
Careers in Worship Arts
Today’s local churches and parachurch organizations will find Grace Bible College Worship Arts graduates
well prepared to meet their ever-changing needs through hundreds of career possibilities including:
- Worship Leader
- Director of Worship Arts
- Director of Worship Media and
Technology
- Professional Touring Musician
- Studio Recording Artist
- Professional Singer/Songwriter
- Minister of Music
- Music and Worship Evangelist
- Worship Pastor
- Private Lesson Instructor
- Music and Worship Leader on the Mission
Field
- Director of Worship and Drama
- Director of Worship for Women’s Conferences
- Teaching Pastor of Worship
- Worship Support Personnel (in large churches)
- Associate Director of Worship Programming
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4 Year Overview
MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
WORSHIP ARTS
Music Technology (3)
Produce professional music arrangements using multitrack sequencing and audio recording using Reason in
the iMac Lab.
Foundations of Worship (3)
Biblically based understanding and definition of worship
from Old and New Testament examples.
Leading Worship (3)
Characteristics and responsibilities associated with being
a proficient worship leader.
Audio Production (3)
Learn skills of producing, editing, and mixing
professional audio recordings in the studio using Pro
Tools.
Songwriting for Worship (3)
Hands-on opportunities to write and record original
songs in the studio.
Video Production (3)
Shooting professional videos, importing media, editing,
and finalizing movies using Apple’s Final Cut Pro and
Motion.
Junior Worship Program (1)
20-minute worship program that involves all aspects of
planning, rehearsing, leading, and implementing worship.
Senior Worship Program (1)
40-minute worship program that involves all aspects of
planning, rehearsing, leading, and implementing worship.
BIBLE & THEOLOGY
Old Testament Literature (3)
New Testament Literature (3)
Upper Division Bible Electives (6)
Christian Life & Service (3)
Mission of the Church (2)
Biblical Christian Thought (3)
Formation & Service I - II (4)
Theology Elective (3)
Biblical Instruction (3)
Worship Arts Practicum (3)
Coordinate with a church to participate in a worship arts
leadership capacity for one semester.
MUSICIANSHIP
Foundations of Music (2)
Introduction to a knowledge base and essential
elements found within music.
ARTS & SCIENCES
Grace Experience (2)
English (6)
Philosophy (3)
Speech (3)
Communication (2)
Fitness & Health (2)
Science (3)
History (3)
Psychology (3)
Arts & Sciences Electives (6-9)
Undesignated Electives (7)
Harmonic Practices I - III (9)
Learn principles of music theory from fundamentals to
advanced reharmonization techniques.
Musicianship I - II (4)
Practical musicianship skills (ear training, sight singing,
transcriptions, intonation, and rhythm).
Private Lesson Credits (8)
Voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings.
TOTAL: 124 CREDITS
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Course
Descriptions
WORSHIP COURSES
WA 111
Foundations of Worship (3)
This course provides a Biblically based understanding and definition of worship as exemplified through
worship experiences in the Old and New Testaments. Purposefully scheduled as the initial course in the
Worship Arts program, it seeks to lay a foundation for all other courses that build upon core worship
principles.
WA 321
Leading Worship (3)
This course addresses the roles and responsibilities associated with being a proficient worship leader. It
integrates learning in a variety of areas including ministry values, leading rehearsals, creative planning,
leadership skills, team building, effective communication, stewardship of budgets, technology, etc. as they
relate to the preparation and implementation of worship. Students will gain practical experience leading and
teaching about worship in a collaborative environment.
Prerequisite: WA 317
WA 322
Songwriting for Worship (3)
This course provides students with hands-on opportunities to write and record their own original songs
using professional audio recording software. Emphasis is placed on the creation of theologically rich and
doctrinally accurate worship songs appropriate for use in campus chapel services and in WA 350 Junior
and WA 450 Senior Worship Programs. A review of standard song forms and significant Christian artists and
their songwriting styles will be incorporated into this class.
WA 350
WA 450
Junior Worship Program (1)
Senior Worship Program (1)
Students will lead a 20-minute or 40-minute worship program (20 minutes for WA 350, and 40 minutes for
WA 450) that involves all aspects of planning, rehearsing, leading, and implementing worship. Students
must demonstrate the ability to integrate a variety of instrumentation and media (i.e. lighting, sound, video,
presentation software, etc). This is a faculty-supervised activity with a balance of both traditional and
contemporary music styles appropriate for worship. A final reflective paper of the entire experience and a
student-produced video of the event are components of this course.
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WA 459
Worship Arts Practicum (3)
A faculty-supervised practicum, this is an essential capstone experience required of all Worship Arts
students whereby students identify a local church, arrange his or her practicum with a church supervisor,
and serve in a worship arts leadership capacity for one semester (documented 8 hours/week for 10 weeks
= minimum of 80 hours of service). The practicum is designed to aid in developing ministry attitudes, roles
and responsibilities, and leadership skills and experience vital to worship arts needs within a church.
HARMONIC PRACTICES
The following four Harmonic Practices courses (WA 112, 113, 215, and 317) explore the essential music
theory elements found in traditional and popular music, including contemporary worship music. The course
sequence begins with WA 112 Foundations of Music that details pitch notation, time classification, note and
rest values, time signatures, intervals, scales, key signatures, and triads. WA 113 revisits topics presented in
WA 112 and builds upon this music theory foundation to include triads in root position, doubling and
spacing, voice leading considerations, and triad inversions. WA 215 continues with seventh chords, phrase
structure and cadences, nonharmonic tones, harmonization of melodies, nondominant seventh chords,
secondary dominant and secondary leading tone chords, and modulation. In the final theory course, WA
317, students will explore popular music theory concepts including extended intervals, scales and modes,
extended harmony, chord-scale relationships, diatonic and chromatic harmony, and harmonic substitution.
These four courses will provide multiple learning opportunities for students to assimilate a working
knowledge of harmonic practices within all tonal music.
WA 112
Foundations of Music (2)
Introduction to a knowledge base and essential elements found within tonal music.
WA 113
Harmonic Practices I (3)
Continuation of knowledge base and application of music theory skills developed in WA 112.
Prerequisite: WA 112 or demonstrated music theory proficiency
WA 215
Harmonic Practices II (3)
Continuation of knowledge base and application of music theory skills developed in WA 113.
Prerequisite: WA 113
WA 317
Harmonic Practices III (3)
Continuation of knowledge base and application of music theory skills developed in WA 215 with an
emphasis on various forms of popular music including jazz, pop, contemporary worship, etc.
Prerequisite: WA 215
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MUSICIANSHIP
Practical musicianship skills including ear training, critical listening, sight singing using the moveable “do”
Solfege system in all major and minor keys, transcriptions, intonation, and rhythmic dictation. These courses
are designed to be taken concurrently with corresponding Harmonic Practices courses (i.e. WA 113 & 114,
WA 215 & 216). WA 114 introduces students to the moveable “do” Solfege system for pitch identification in
tonal music. It also explores intonation, rhythmic dictation, melodic and harmonic intervals, scales, and critical
listening. WA 216 builds on this foundation in the areas of sight singing, critical listening, rhythmic dictation,
and melodic and harmonic dictation.
WA 114
Musicianship I (2)
Introduction to knowledge base and application of musicianship skills. To be taken concurrently with WA 113.
Prerequisite: WA 112 or demonstrated musical proficiency
WA 216
Musicianship II (2)
Continued application and development of musicianship skills established in WA 114. To be taken
concurrently with WA 215.
Prerequisite: WA 114
MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
WA 323
Music Technology (3)
Provides students with the technological tools and hands-on experience necessary for producing
professional sample-based MIDI sequences and audio recordings. The course explores multi-track
sequencing, editing, and mixing using Propellerhead’s Reason software program.
Prerequisite: WA 215 and 216
WA 324
Audio Production (3)
Provides students with the technological tools and hands-on experience necessary for producing
professional audio recordings. The course explores multi-track audio recording, editing, mixing, and file
management skills using Avid’s Pro Tools software program.
WA 325
Video Production (3)
Provides students with the resources and hands-on experience necessary for producing professional
videos. The course explores video camera basics, video recording, editing, and file management skills using
Apple’s Final Cut Pro video editing software and Apple’s Motion software program.
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ENSEMBLES
WA 182
Vocal Ensemble (1)
Group of vocalists that participates in chapel services, community engagements, and special campus
events, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off campus. Open to all students.
Audition required.
WA 183
Jazz Ensemble (1)
Small instrumental jazz combo group that participates in chapel services, community engagements, and
special campus events, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off campus. Open to all
students.
Audition required.
WA 184
Worship Ensembles (1)
Group of vocalists, instrumentalists, and media personnel that prepares and leads worship for weekly
campus chapel services, camps, youth retreats, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off
campus. Open to all students.
Audition required.
WA 185
Instrumental Ensemble (1)
Group of instrumentalists that participates in chapel services, community engagements, and special campus
events, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off campus. Open to all students.
Audition required.
APPLIED LESSONS
Applied piano, voice, drums, strings, and guitar lessons are available with qualified instructors who model
and teach proper technique and encourage overall competent musicianship. Students taking applied
lessons will receive 12 individual half hour lessons each semester. As part of our department assessment
plan, individual end-of-semester performances before the entire worship arts faculty are required for all
students enrolled in applied lessons regardless of their major. There is an additional fee for applied lessons.
WA 105
WA 106
WA 109
WA 110
WA 115
Applied Piano Lessons (1)
Applied Voice Lessons (1)
Applied Drum Lessons (1)
Applied Guitar Lessons (1)
Applied String Lessons (1)
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Worship Arts
Scholarship
A Worship Arts scholarship of $4,800 or $6,400 is awarded to qualified musicians to help them pursue
excellence in music! You’re eligible to apply today! Here’s how in three easy steps...
COMPLETE A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
See the attached Worship Arts Scholarship application (pages 10 & 11).
CHOOSE TWO SELECTIONS TO PERFORM
Prepare any two songs of your choice that best represent your abilities.
SUBMIT APPLICATION & SCHEDULE AN AUDITION
The 30-minute audition includes a brief interview and a musical assessment.
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Award amount: $4,800 ($1,200 per year for student in a 4-year Worship Arts program = $600/semester) or
$6,400 ($1,600/year for student in a 4-year Worship Arts program = $800/semester). The scholarship is
contingent upon maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher within your Worship Arts courses. The
college requires the recipient to be enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more credit hours per semester).
Scholarships may only be applied to the GBC Worship Arts program. Immediate family members of staff,
faculty, or administration are not eligible. The total amount of financial assistance offered to a student may not
exceed his or her total need.
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Scholarship
Application
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Email:
Zip:
Phone:
Name of High School:
Instruments / Voice (SATB):
Please list any musical opportunities or ensembles that you have participated in:
(Ex. Bands, orchestras, choirs, musicals, significant performances, etc.)
Have you taken private lessons?
Yes
No
If yes, how many years?
Please list your Worship Arts Audition selections:
1:
2:
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Please write a 500-word essay detailing your musical experience and your personal goals for during and
after college.
Submit completed application to: [email protected]
Or mail to: Worship Arts Scholarship, Attn: Jason Werkema, Grace Bible College, 1011 Aldon St. SW,
Wyoming, MI 49509
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Ensembles
Ensembles are a chance for students to practice and apply their musical skills while cooperating in a group
setting. Typically ensembles meet once or twice a week to practice music arrangements, with the goal of
performing or leading worship at a few select events throughout the year. Some ensembles have the
opportunity to travel and perform at different churches and events throughout the country.
The Worship Arts curriculum requires one ensemble credit per semester. Because each student is placed in
an ensemble based on their preference, availability, and skill set, auditions are required for all ensemble
groups. Auditions are typically held at the beginning of the fall semester, and students are placed in an
ensemble for a full school year (two semesters). All students, even those with different majors, are welcome
to audition and join an ensemble.
There are several ensembles, all with different sizes, unique styles, and special ministry opportunities. These
include:
VOCAL ENSEMBLE
Group of vocalists that participates in chapel services, community engagements, and special campus
events, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off campus. Open to all students.
This is our largest ensemble group with roughly 25-30 students, directed by vocal coach Phil Holmes. The
Vocal Ensemble plays a large part in Gloria, the annual Worship Arts fundraiser around Christmas time. They
also pack the stage for special Friday chapels. Emphasis is on vocal technique and SATB part singing, with
opportunities for occasional solos.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Small instrumental jazz combo group that participates in chapel services, community engagements, and
special campus events, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off campus. Open to all
students.
The jazz ensemble includes electric and bass guitars, drums, saxophones, trombones, etc. The group
practices a repertoire of select jazz pieces and performs for Gloria and special banquets at Grace, as well as
occasional off campus events. Led by Dr. Jason Werkema.
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WORSHIP ENSEMBLES
Group of vocalists, instrumentalists, and media personnel that prepares and leads worship for weekly
campus chapel services, camps, youth retreats, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off
campus. Open to all students.
Worship ensembles, led by Mr. Adam Wolf, are more focused on leading contemporary worship services in
a corporate setting. There are usually three worship ensembles, each with its own “flavor” and distinctive
sound, ranging from 6 to 10 students with a unique assortment of guitars, vocals, keys, drums, and other
instruments. Worship ensembles are frequently involved in Friday chapels, participate in Gloria, and have
other opportunities to lead congregations, schools, and youth groups in worship.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
Group of instrumentalists that participates in chapel services, community engagements, and special campus
events, etc. with potential for travel and ministry opportunities off campus. Open to all students.
Instrumental ensembles are unique in that they can change from year to year, based on the availability of
musicians. Instrumental groups are sometimes a good fit for musicians who are skilled in one particular style
or instrument. For example, in the 2014-2015 school year, the instrumental ensemble was a bluegrass
group composed of violins, guitar, and upright bass. The possibilities are as diverse as the students and
instruments that make up the group. Instrumental ensembles play at Gloria, GBC chapels, and other off
campus events.
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Ensemble
Ministry Trips
Each year in May, an ensemble is chosen to go on a touring trip to different churches around the U.S. Trips
are usually done within a specific region (e.g. the Pacific northwest, or the south), and students will stay with
host families while ministering at a particular church.
The ensemble plans a full worship service before going, including a worship set, student testimonies, and a
short 20-minute message given by a Pastoral student (who will join the ensemble for the trip!). This service is
the basic outline for what the ensemble does at each church along the tour, with small tweaks and changes
as the environment and needs of the congregation requires.
With lots of time driving, singing/playing music, and ministering to a diverse assortment of congregations, the
ensemble ministry trips are a great way to build relationships with classmates, grow in your musical abilities,
and encounter God through new experiences and new people.
PREVIOUS ITINERARY
S T U D E N T S S A Y. . .
“Our trip was amazing... I learned that grace is a
never-ending trait of God. I wouldn’t trade my
experience for anything. It was incredibly profound.”
- Nick, class of 2015
Day 1: Depart GBC, travel, stay in hotel
Day 2: Travel, sightseeing, stay in hotel
Day 3: Travel, Worship Service #1, stay with host
families
Day 4: Worship Services #2 and #3
Day 5: Travel, R&R, stay with host families
Day 6: Recreation, Worship Service #4, stay with
host families
Day 7: Travel, R&R, stay with host families
Day 8: Service project, sight seeing, stay with host
families
Day 9: Free Day. Stay with host families.
Day 10: Worship Service #5, stay with host families
Day 11: Worship Service #6, travel, stay with host
families
Day 12: Worship Service #7, stay with host families
Day 13: Travel, stay in hotel
Day 14: Travel, Worship Service #8, stay with host
families
Day 15: Travel, Worship Service #9, stay in hotel
Day 16: Depart for Grand Rapids
“Ministry trips at GBC have helped me not only to be
God’s hands and feet in ministering to others, but also
to be ministered to by others, getting the chance to
grow and have fun with fellow members of the Body
of Christ.”
- Ryan, class of 2014
“The opportunity to go on tour was part of what
brought me to GBC, so the fact that I was able to go
on this trip was a testament to God’s grace and
purpose in my life...We still play together today,
because we became like a family.”
- Jessica, class of 2015
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Studio
The Worship Arts studio has all the necessary equipment and software to produce professional level
recordings. The best part? The studio is accessible to all current Worship Arts students for use on schoolrelated and personal projects! Whether you want to have your band practice in the live room, create and edit
MIDI sequences in Reason, or record your own song to share with family and friends, the studio is capable
of doing it all. Every resource in the studio is available for your use, which means unlimited potential for you
to express your creativity and heart for worship.
STUDIO FACILITIES
Control Room
The studio control room is where the computer/software, audio interface, MIDI keyboard, pre-amps, and
recording equipment are stored. From the control room, you can “control” what goes on in the recording
session - route signal flow, set up the interface, record and play back audio, control monitors, and mix or
edit your project.
The studio has both ProTools and Reason software for recording and creating audio and MIDI within your
project. An iMac and additional 70” flatscreen TV monitor make it easy to navigate your project, while
professional studio speakers allow you to hear with clarity (and lots of volume!). An 8-foot double-paned
window allows you to see into the live room without sound bleeding through.
Live Room
With wall inputs connecting to the main interface in the control room, the live room can be used for recording
a full band or a single instrument. The walls are lined with sound deadening panels, and it has its own sound
system for plugging in instruments/microphones for the purpose of band practices and jam sessions.
Vocal Room
The vocal room, like the live room, has wall inputs that connect to the interface in the control room. This
small room is often used for recording vocals or piano, and has sound deadening panels to minimize the
amount of “room noise” and natural reverb when recording.
Drum Room
The drum room can be used for recording live drums, and is furthest from the control room for the least
amount of sound “leakage.” Complete sound proofing and a tight set-up allow for clean, clear recordings
and the best sound quality possible. Wall inputs go directly into the studio control room.
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STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Software:
- The latest version of Apple iOS
- ProTools 11
- Reason 6.5
Hardware:
- Apollo Universal Audio Interface
- Vintech Audio X73i Pre-amps
- Grace Design M 101 Pre-amp
- Focusrite OctoPre MK II Pre-amp
- Hear Technologies Hear-back system
- Yamaha 88 weighted-key MIDI controller
- AVID 8-track mixing console
- Yamaha HS-8 speakers and subwoofer
Microphones:
- Rode NT 1-A
- Multiple Avantone CK 1 mics
- Avantone CR 14 ribbon mic
- Avantone CV 12 mics
- AKG C 414 (stereo pair)
- AKG C 214 (stereo pair)
- AKG Perception 420
- AKG Perception 180
- Multiple SM-57/58 microphones
- Shure KSM 32
Video Equipment:
- 10 Panasonic HC - X920 full HD video cameras
- SLIK tripods
- XLR to 1/8in cables (for direct microphone input)
- Final Cut ProX editing software
In addition to all these amazing resources, the studio has everything you need to get set up and started on
your project - the studio supply closet is full of XLR cables, converters, direct boxes, headphones,
microphone stands, pop filters, and much more.
STUDIO ASSISTANT
The Studio Assistant (a paid student position) assists with the upkeep and management of the studio
equipment and calendar. The Studio Assistant’s role includes:
- Keeping the studio clean and organized
- Helping students with recording projects as needed
- Troubleshooting
- Managing the Studio calendar
- Open Hours for student usage and questions
- Helping with videos for various WA courses
All Worship Arts students are given a brief orientation before using the studio, and are asked to sign an
Equipment Usage Policy form.
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