Office of Department of Music

Jackson State University

Post Office Box 17055

Jackson, MS 39217

(601) 979-2141

Jackson, MS - The annual Church Music Workshop of America is celebrating its 26^th year Anniversary with nationally acclaimed musical consultants and a culminating adult and children’s choir concert. The workshop, co-sponsored by the Eighth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Jackson State University, is scheduled for Monday through Thursday, June17-20, 2002 in the F.D. Hall Music Center on the JSU campus. Focusing on the theme, Music: The Handmaiden of Worship, the workshop features a variety of seminars relating to various aspects of worship service music.

Well known for its unique instructional methods, the workshop draws church musicians from throughout the nation. Church Music Workshop director and JSU music department chairman Dr. Jimmie James, Jr. said the program seeks to improve church music locally, nationally and internationally. "Jackson State University’s department of music is proud to be a part of this historical community-oriented program, said James. "We are proud that this program has thrived for 26 years while still contributing to the enhancement of music for services in various church denominations in more than 25 states in our nation," said James.

Bishop C. Garnett Henning, presiding prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, and a promoter of an organized and diverse music program, will lead the ministers’ panel and make two presentations during the four-day event. He is proud that this quality workshop/seminar has lasted since its implementation in 1976. He urges musicians and ministers to take advantage of this comprehensive program.

During the four days of activities, the third workshop of the new millennium will provide proven principles on church music administration, music staff and training development and a wealth of material on music for a diverse congregation. Participants will take courses which integrate music performance skills with liturgical and theological study. In addition to classroom lectures and discussions, musicians take part in hands-on activities and exhibits. There will be a variety of exhibitors on hand from throughout the country.

More than 20 seminars designed to provide practical and helpful experiences for the church musician, range from"Fundamental Vocal Techniques for the Church Choir Singer," The Art of

Repertoire Selection in Gospel Music," "Teaching Gospel Style, Basic Decorum and Technique Tips," "The Role of the Minister in the Church Music Program," "Music Reading for Choir Members," "Accompanying Techniques," "Selecting, Analyzing and Interpreting Spirituals," " Reading of New Music," "Music and Theology:A Fruitful Partnership," "Directions for Music and Worship in the 21^st Century African American Church," "Energizing Congregational Singing," "Jazz and the Church Music Program" and "Worship and Praise in the New Millennium."

"Recent workshops have included the latest technology and have given guidance to the technological applications that prepare participants for the new century, explained James, who serves as Connectional Director of Music Emeritus for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Minister of Music at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church in Jackson. He is an experienced evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music, Vice Chair of NASM’s Region 8 and Sire Archon for Beta Gamma Boule’ of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He formerly served as a member of the board of directors of the Journal of Black Sacred Music and music editor for the A.M.E. Christian Recorder. He has published articles on music education and church music in a number of national publications and is the author or co-author of several books including a 1996 publication, Mississippi’s Black Bankers and Their Institutions, that he co-authored with his brothers, Arthur and Robert.

Consultants for the 26^th annual workshop include Roland Carter, composer, arranger and conductor who is U.C. Foundation Professor of Music at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has produced and appeared on programs for national and international radio and television and is in constant demand as guest conductor and lecturer. He is founder of MAR-VEL, a publisher specializing in music by African American composers and tradition. Carter’s attainments are well documented. Critics throughout the world have hailed his excellence in the choral arts, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding achievements in choral music. Carter’s biography and list of compositions are included in Our Musical Heritage, a catalog published jointly by Carl Fischer Music and the National Association of Negro Musicians.

Another consultant will be V. Michael McKay, a nationally known gospel consultant of Houston , TX. His ability as a conductor, clinician and speaker is respected throughout the Christian community. McKay’s gifts have been nurtured and developed through his music leadership in churches throughout the country for more than a quarter of a century. McKay’s Herculean accomplishment of a tri-fold series of songs dedicated to the cause of worship through We Sing the Word, has ushered him into sharing his gifts throughout this nation. His careful approach to theologically based song texts has provided for his works to be included in a Southern Baptist Hymnal supplement, For the Living of these Days and The African American Heritage Hymnal. A prolific songwriter, his songs include Anticipation, The Potter’s House, The Good Shepherd, Integrity, Silent Scream, Sanctify Me, Throneroom, and Let Him Bless You. His songs have been recorded by some of the best in Gospel Music including the Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir, the Mississippi Mass Choir, Yolanda Adams and Daryl Coley.

The keynote speaker will be Mrs. Beverly Thomas, an outstanding musician from Detroit, MI. Mrs. Thomas has a rich background in choral music and served as Minister of Music at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church for 18 years, and Organist/Choir Director at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church for seven years. She studied organ and church music at Union Theological Seminary in New York and at the University of Michigan. She has performed in concert throughout metropolitan Detroit, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, New Orleans, LA, Atlanta, GA and Cape Town, South Africa. More than $150,000 has been awarded college students through her efforts as Episcopal Supervisor while serving with her husband Bishop Robert Thomas, Jr.

Another consultant will be James M. Hawkins, director of the award winning Jim Hill High School Choir, director of music ministry at New Hope Baptist Church and a choral music technique expert of Jackson, MS. Also, Lannie Spann McBride, a noted Jackson Public School Music Specialist will make presentations for the children’s workshop. She has conducted workshops on church music throughout the country and has several published works.

Ronald Stevens, Choir Director at Salem Middle School and Praise Song expert and Composer of Atlanta, GA will make presentation on songs of praise. Don Lee White, organist/director and professor of music emeritus at California State University, will conduct sessions on congregational singing and the history of African American hymnology. White, an outstanding organist that has published several works, has received numerous honors for his contributions to the preservation of African American music.

The closing workshop demonstration concert will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the F.D. Hall Music Center Recital Hall. Registration fee for the workshop is $75 per person. The children’s registration fee is $20. The celebration banquet fee is $20. The Workshop Music Pack is $30.00. Academic credit is available for graduate and undergraduate students. Final registration will be held on Monday, June 17 at 8:00 a.m. in the F.D. Hall Music Center.

The Ramada Inn Southwest Conference Center is the official hotel for the workshop. Located near the campus on Ellis Avenue and I-20 west, a rate of $45.00 plus tax is available for workshop participants. The phone number is 601/944-1150. On campus dormitory accommodations are available by calling the Department of Music. The rate for dormitory housing is $15.00 per day. For more information, call Dr. Jimmie James Jr., workshop director and JSU music department chairman at (601) 979-2141. You may also reach Dr. James by e-mail at: jimmie.james@jsums.edu. Additional information is available by visiting www.jsums.edu and clicking on Church Music Workshop of America.