PR2011 Aug 23

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Doug Perry 205.391.3988

dperry@sheltonstate.edu

SHELTON STATE OFFERS NEW CERTIFICATE IN CHURCH MUSIC

Tuscaloosa – The Shelton State Community College Music Department is offering a new certificate program in Church Music. The program, which can be completed in just one year, is unique in Alabama Community Colleges.

Designed to train bi-vocational and volunteer musicians to lead music worship in a variety of styles, the program is under the supervision of Dr. Mark Brown of the Shelton State music faculty.

Dr. Brown, who has been a church musician all his life, will be assisted by Syble Coats and Glinda Blackshear, Shelton State music faculty members who are also life-long church musicians. An advisory board of community church musicians will also counsel and instruct those who participate in the Church Music Certificate program.

It was discovered in a survey two years ago that most church musicians are half-time or part-time employees, and that many are simply volunteering their services and that very few churches in Tuscaloosa have full-time church music leadership. Every church surveyed valued music in worship services and expressed interest in opportunities to enrich and inspire their music leaders.

The Church Music Certificate includes courses in the history of music in worship plus practical courses in music reading, conducting, voice, keyboard, and worship planning. A practicum with actual music experiences in churches will conclude the program. A full-time student could complete the 26-credit-hour certificate in twelve months, however the program can be adapted to any length of time the student requires.

A brochure with the required courses and descriptions is available by contacting Dr. Mark Brown at 205.391.2336 or at mbrown@sheltonstate.edu.

# # #