Instructors & Class Descriptions

Tracy Dixon & Staff             The Children Workshop

Ages 3 -12 yrs old this workshop will focus on a specific curriculum for children. The workshop will include information regarding vocal technique, breathing properly, choir decorum, singing with spirit and what is gospel music.

Danell Damon      Skillful Execution - Placing Performance in Your Presentation
This class will entail several concepts of Spiritual and Natural preparation in order to have an effective presentation for Gods people. It is designed to give an understanding of the importance of preparing to present to the body of Christ. Topics will include:

• Understanding Your Branding...” Who are you? What defines your ministry?”
• Walking out the Vision of your ministry. “ Plan your work, then work your plan “
• You Must spend time AWAY from your craft and devote time to God only.
• Physical Appearance IE.. Dress and Overall Presentation.
• Becoming the Character of the Song to communicate the message.
• How to capture an audience with your presentation.
• Your Ministry is OFF the platform your Performance is ON the platform.
• Feeling out the congregation and arresting the Atmosphere.

 The overall vision for the class is to educate choir members concerning the ability to capture and audience with a jovial and exciting presentation. At the same time, your physical appearance and presentation must be complimenting to your ministry. This involves preparation; musical character and the ability to bring “LIFE” to an atmosphere .People connect to passion. God has given us unique abilities that are connected with the Commandments that he has given us. If we are successful in being able to bridge the abilities with the commandments, ministry is effective. If we use our abilities and fall short of his instructions, we then become exempt to his anointing and the benefits of seeing lives changed!

Val Taylor           Praise & Worship – LEADERSHIP AND MUSIC MINISTRY
This course will examine the significance of leadership and the role it plays in relation to Music Ministry.  The focus point will be the functions of each component in the Music Ministry i.e., worship leaders, musicians, singers, etc. and their ability to operate as independent leaders in an interdependent environment.

Elder Jimmie Jordan             Church Administration
Session 1:   Fundamental tools for organizing a ministry or department that portray excellent leadership.  We will present some keys that will motivate others to serve in your ministry, review how to write a job description, how to develop a budget, how to coordinate events, and how to handle the business aspects of love offerings and salaries.
Session 2:  For all those who are trustees or work in the finance ministry or administration of your church, we will present information on risk management (how to protect the liquid assets of your church).  Does your church have internal controls?  What systems do you have in place to identify or prevent theft?  Would an audit of your church lead to incarceration or severe fines?  We will take a look at some things you can implement that will add integrity to your ministry.

Zina Jordan             Effective Event Organization & Planning
Have you read the scripture "Where two or three are gathered" used when attendance at an event is low?  That scripture is usually mentioned because the event was poorly planned.  God said that he would be in our midst if only two or three are gathered, but he wants us to gather as many together as we can. If you are on the Program Committee at your church, planning a Workshop or Concert, if you want to be an Event Planner, if you took a hit at your last event (lost money), you need to be in this class. 

Rev Royce Shorter                 Choir Decorum
This class will cover how to stand, sit, and rules of conduct for choir members. There will be no stone left un-turned in this class, a must for every serious choir member and leader.

Teresa Jordan                       Holy Hip Hop Dance Class
Have you always wanted to start a Holy Hip-Hop Dance Team at your church?  Do you have youth/adults at your church who desire to dance with the energy that God has given them?  Come check out this class taught by Award Winning Teacher & Choreographer Teresa Jordan. Bring your Bibles, Water and Energy and get ready to Dance your way towards freedom and fun! We will learn a FULL dance routine to be performed at the concert.   (FYI: Class space is limited don't wait!)  This Class is guaranteed to be exciting and fun!

Cora Jackson                                   Vocal Technique
These sessions are to help you improve your vocal technique. Singing is the one thing that all of us can do. You'll receive information on how to place your tones properly, how to breathe more efficiently, how to relax while singing, and how to exercise your voice.

Michael Cole                                    Band Leadership
This class will help teach present and future bandleaders how to be an effective gospel bandleader within church choir, praise team, group and instrumental ministries.  The instructor will focus on working with the church pastor and minister of music.  We also present topics on instrumentation, musical arrangement, communication, organization and your role as a leader.

Pastor Pat Wright                  So You Want To Be A Soloist?
So you think that you can sing, huh? Let, Pat teach you how to deliver a song in different settings. Learn how to use the power and when to use it! Learn how to preserve your voice so it last a life time.

Apostle Edward Donalson               Leadership
All the different aspects of leadership! How to organize & administrate a Choir, Praise Team, Group, or Music Department! How to be an effective leader in Music Ministry! This class is for officers, directors, musicians, Ministers of Music, & anyone associated with music ministry.

Judy Neal                    Music Ministry
Creating a music worship program for every service and event in your church is a tall order period.  The effort becomes taxing if you are faced with the challenges of small numbers, limited skills, numerous engagements and members whose commitment to ministry is still under development.  This class will encourage you in your charge to construct a positive and spiritually uplifting atmosphere for your singers to grow and minister within.  

 Rev. Weems                    Piano 101
This class will teach the basics.  A must have for keyboard players that are just beginning.  Keyboard learning has never been more enjoyable!

Jackie Hardy                   Choir Directing
Learn how to bring out the best in your choir. Don't just direct the choir; direct the musicians, and the congregation. Know signals & cues from a national perspective!  Also hearing parts clearly.

Reverend Royce C.  Shorter            Musician Clinic- Greater New Bethel         (Friday Night Only 11:30PM – until)
The musician’s clinic will cover a variety of styles of gospel music. This clinic will deal with sound and volume dynamics, playing in the pocket Musicians will get hands on experience in a JAM session. Musicians will learn to play together with multiple instruments. This clinic is a must for all aspiring drummers, keyboard players, guitarist, Bass Guitarist, and all other associated instruments used in worship.

Reverend Royce C.  Shorter            The Business Music  (Saturday only)
This class is a must for anyone who wants to learn the business side of The Gospel Music Industry. Learn about contracts, copyrights and publishing your music. Learn the process of obtaining a recording contract.  All aspect areas of Gospel Music Ministry.  A bonus feature of this class will include (Promotion 101), everything you wanted to know about promoting in one lesson!