Becoming a Songwriter that serves the Church
Brian Doerksen
How are the songs that serve the church’s expression of worship written? How do we balance creativity and theological accuracy? Brian will share from his experience in writing and working with other emerging writers about the heart and skills of writing worship songs. Pastorally, he will speak into our calling to lose our ‘self-focus’ [‘He must increase and we must decrease’] without losing our soul (our God given unique personality and perspective.) He will also share some of the stories behind some of his songs including his new song “Holy God”.
Drums/Percussion Workshop
Calum Rees
The aim of this workshop is to inspire you to find your percussive ‘voice’. Whether you are a drum set player or percussionist, you will find much to amuse and enthuse as we journey toward playing the rhythms of heaven – all from sitting on your butt!
Guitar Workshop (Melodic Development and Solo Construction)
Brian Thiessen
We will look into the make up and development of melodies and how to incorporate that into creating solos.
Finding the Right Fit
Paul Khosla
Worship and Creative Arts departments exist as one of many ministries serving a local Body of Christ. They are multi-facetted; offering many expressions of praise but united in purpose—the adoration of Jesus Christ. As such, inherent challenges exist in attempting to bring about a united sound of praise to God within a local church. The goal of this workshop is to offer practical solutions to some of these challenges and inspire Worship Leaders to find the right fit within God’s greater plan of growth for their local Body of Christ.
How to Effectively Rehearse the Worship Band
Philip Janz
This workshop will demonstrate how to rehearse the band and within that context, develop an arrangement that will be provided by a participant of the workshop (needs to be a published song, so as to ensure that the song is fully developed). We will hear perspectives from the various band members in effectively carrying out their musical contributions within a rehearsal context.
Integrating Keyboards into a Modern Musical Context
Philip Janz
We will tackle the topic of successfully integrating Keyboards in a musically “modern” contextual environment, whether in productions or in a worship set. We will discuss important guidelines towards helpful integration within a band context, by creating keyboard parts that compliment the intent and heart of any given song.
Keyboard and Guitar Workshop (Beyond the Chords)
Brian Thiessen
We will focus on the roles of the guitars and keyboards in a band context and explore what it is to create a musical part that serves the song.
O Sacred Head - Music, Media + Meditation on the Cross
James Isaacs
While we all long for great moves of God, perhaps the greatest move of God was 2,000 years ago, purchasing everything we have in Him. We will spend the session in songs, hymns, art, scripture and reflection on the most important event in history – The death and resurrection of Christ.
Modern Bass in an Ancient Genre
Peter Davyduck
“We’ll be discussing everything from modern techniques and approaches to playing bass as well as exploring the history of the instrument, the history of ‘worship music’ and how the two fit!”
Releasing the Artist
Judy Savoy
Would you like to Worship through the Arts, to make Sunday morning in your church more than just singing and listening to a sermon? Would you like to hear the Scriptures not just read but proclaimed? The Word of God is alive and you can release it in song, story, drama, art, dance, poetry, reading, and even comedy! Come and learn how….........and in doing so…......begin the journey of releasing the artist in you.
The Basics of a Set List
Brian Doerksen
“How should a worship leader approach leading at time of worship? In this workshop Brian will share his heart on leading people on a journey into God’s heart, and how to select music that releases people’s hearts in worship.”
Timeless Worship - Classical Music in Contemporary Worship
James Isaacs
Worship is not a recent fad and not everyone with a call to worship plays pop/rock instruments. Classical music adds a cross-cultural, ageless dimension to our worship of the eternal God, while providing a contemplative, eclectic element that speaks to the heart in this Post-Modern world. Join us in this class for musicians, pastors and everyone as we look at using Classical instruments and Classical music in Modern worship.
What About Us? - Playing a Special Instrument in Worship
James Isaacs
Worship of the eternal God transcends any one musical style and one set of instruments. While the basic pop/rock ensemble works great in worship, adding special instruments reflects more of God’s creative variety, appeals to and includes a wider group of people and cultures and expresses the unique giftings God has given to your church. A class for those called to worship that don’t play Guitar, Bass, Drums or Keyboards – and their leaders.
Worship Dance
Linda Lamos
Where does movement, dance and mime fit into your Sunday Worship Service? Worship dance can add a new dimension of creativity and spiritual intimacy to the believer. Find out how to incorporate worship dance in your services, as well as develop an effective dance troupe. Dance experience is not necessary.