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Fall 2009 | Volume 68, No. 1
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A Bright Future Ahead
by Stephen Johnson
Each semester, new and returning students make heroic efforts to be a part of a great journey. I have the privilege of seeing them for the short time while they are at Southwestern in response to and in preparation for God’s calling on their lives.
These students come from different countries, backgrounds, and situations. Some travel halfway around the world to pursue preparation for musical ministry. Some have played an instrument since they were 5 years old and are here to acquire graduate training in their field as well as in the Scriptures. Some have left a secure job in response to God’s call to prepare for a lifetime of ministry. Students are excited to see musical preparation and theological training combined in a thriving school of music at a seminary.
Our students are indeed a special breed of people. They are thoroughly committed to Christ, they are active in missions, and they work diligently to further their musical craft. What is even more extraordinary, they endeavor to combine these elements in their own hearts, and it shows in their lives. This is a common trait of our students as well as our faculty.
Our internationally recognized faculty are active and at the top of their field. We have composers, performers, and scholars who are all actively engaged in their field and connecting their expertise to the local church and to missions. Our professors are invited to travel around the world to give lectures and recitals. They simultaneously use that time to connect with missionaries and join in local evangelistic efforts.
Our students have unforgettable musical experiences, such as accompanying a faculty conductor to Carnegie Hall for one of his frequent performance appearances. The students are able to see how our faculty use these opportunity to demonstrate Christ in their actions and words as a witness to the lost world of professional musicians.
As you have read the stories and articles in this issue of the Southwestern News, it is my hope that you have caught some of the heart of the School of Church Music. I hope you will see that we are dedicated to serving the needs of the churches throughout the Southern Baptist Convention. I trust you will see that we are a school that is tethered to the cross and to the local church. I hope you will understand that we are committed to preparing students for a lifetime of service, leadership, and discernment. With this foundation, students will be prepared to engage the world and serve the church.
Thoughtful musical technique and expression, as well as training in music literature and in the Scriptures, are coupled with a philosophy to take the Gospel to the world and minister to the local church or wherever God calls. This is our foundation, one that was laid in 1915 when I.E. Reynolds began as the first director of musical studies at Southwestern. According to Reynolds, the school was to be guided by three principles: spiritual and evangelistic fervor, scholarly and efficient musicianship, and practicality in application.
As we look to the future, we are excited to expand on the solid foundation that has been laid. We continue to pursue the refinement of vocal, choral, and keyboard technique while at the same time working toward a full instrumental program that encompasses the orchestra as well as the rhythm section. We are grateful for the exceptional facilities that house our six music degree programs, while at the same time we recognize the need for capital improvements that will increase the quality of the learning environment. We are amazed at the generosity of the thousands of churches that contribute to make tuition as low as it is, but we must continue to seek further funding for scholarships so we can send out ministers free of educational debt.
If you want to see the future of church music, all you need to do is visit the School of Church Music at Southwestern. When you see the students here, you will quickly recognize their commitment to service, pursuit for musical excellence, and heart for ministry. Then you will join me in looking on the future with bright hope!
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Stephen P. Johnson is dean of the School of Church Music and associate professor of Music Theory and Composition at Southwestern.
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