ARTELIA HUTCHINS INSTITUTE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Basic Vocal Techniques: This class is designed for inexperienced singers and/or experienced singers who have had little or no vocal training. Attention will be given to several factors that ensure correct singing-proper breathing and singing posture, relaxed jaw, open throat and properly placed tongue, etc. A variety of vocal exercises/warm-ups will be presented.

Choir Rehearsal Techniques: This class will identify various techniques used in having an effective choir rehearsal; develop an understanding of the appropriate responsibilities of choir members and musicians during choir rehearsals; identify and develop techniques in trouble shooting problems with the choir that causes a lack of ineffectiveness and/or progress and identify various techniques that can be utilized in rehearsals to improve the total vocal quality and performance of the choir.

Conducting Laboratory: An overview class of the basic functions for a conductor, director/directress. Simple patterns of conducting, cues, phrasing and the conventional (formal) versus self-taught methods will be taught.

Debutantes-Treasures Worth Finding: Designed to aid young ladies in studying the history of coming of age ceremonies, studying scripture to help them prioritize their young lives, sharing personal testament, examining the effects of displaying a positive self-esteem, how to build character and how a true relationship with Christ will aid in this process.

Drama in Worship: The class is designed to teach how to develop an effective Drama in Worship ministry in their local church and the importance of using their gifts to properly develop the concept of this ministry. Drama and theater combined with gospel, becomes a powerfully effective ministry tool. The class will be taught that creative arts ministry is never to be used solely to entertain or as a way to allow people to perform their talents and gifts from God, but to use those creative gifts as and outreach and in reach tools for the soul purpose of equipping the saints, evangelizing the sinners and exalting the Savior. Areas of teaching: Overview of Drama in Worship and developing an established Actor’s Guild. Departments: playwriting, easy stage lighting, act and re-act, theatrical makeup, sound and effects and writing skills.

Evangelism (Roman Road)/Women’s Ministry: Evangelism is an overview class emphasizing the steps and guidelines for discipling the lost. Women’s Ministry is designed for women who have been called into ministry or are considering their calling. We will discuss the rewards, problems and opposition we face in trying to be obedient to the voice of God. We will also discuss ministering God’s Word without losing who we really are in the process, WOMEN.

Foundation of Church Choir Ministry: An interactive seminar with a focus on the contribution choirs make to the enhancement, distraction or attraction of the corporate worship experience. This course also highlights for clarity, the common elements of the Sunday morning worship from the introit to the Benediction. Review definitions for the genres of music used in worship and introduce the Christian calendar year through the Revised Standard Common Lectionary and highlight ones placement in this ministry as job, hobby or calling. Textbook required: Bulletin from your local church.

From Paul to Timothy - Improving Your Ministry (Tues.-Wed.): This class is designed to teach you to be more than just another minister in the church and to be the best that you can. To avoid some mistakes that others have made. See how Paul talked to Timothy to help him.

Teaching Techniques - Skills & Tools of the Trade (Thurs.-Fri.): This class will teach you how to find out what age group best fits you. Sharpen your skills through presentation and illustration. Find new and innovative ways of reaching your class.

Gospel Aerobics (Tues. & Wed.)/Liturgical Dance (Thurs. & Fri.): An introduction of modern dance and provide structural exercise for conventioneers to Christian music with emphasis placed on the tasteful selection of movements and music. Class is designed to introduce a form of praise through dance in gospel music. The class covers basic technique of modern dance at beginner’s level, as well as, areas familiar to the intermediate and advance student.

Hymnology/Spirituals: Will explore simple definitions of hymns; the function of hymns and the scriptural references of the hymn as an occupied form of worship.

Leadership For the 21st Century (John Maxwell Series) (CEU recommended class): This class will utilize the Maxwell Leadership Bible as the basic text and reference. Other materials (John Maxwell) will be introduced during the duration of the course (3 convention sessions/years). Topics for engagement and discussion will include the following ‘Leadership Issues”: accountability, anointing, brokenness, call, change, compassion, criticism, delegation, discipline, equipping, ethics, excuses, excellence, humility, integrity, leadership, modeling, planning and others. Participants are encouraged to bring the Maxwell Leadership bible for this class. (Required of all presidents and transition team members)

New Music & Choral Literature Lab (15 minutes per presenter): This course will cover selected gospel music provided by the Mass Choir Coordinator and other S-A-T-B choral music from convention writers. The participants should be prepared to purchase music from the writers and presenters. This class is emphasizing diverse genres of music. All participants are asked to come prepared to do sight reading for covering the songs.

Organ/Techniques: An introduction class on learning your organ; accompanying choirs, soloist, behind a preacher and praise and worship. (Minimum of six (6) registrants)

Orientation: An introduction to NCGCC for members new to choral unions (1st year). The departments present overview of the goals and objectives of their respective areas. For all new conventioneers and persons new to the convention that did not attend last year. (one session only in main ballroom, Monday, August 2, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.

Piano Laboratory: Various improvised keyboard styles suitable at beginners and intermediate level and an overview of various improvised keyboard styles suitable at advanced levels in a limited piano-lab setting.

Praise and Worship: This course is designated to address biblical supported worship and praise components and characteristics as applicable to any ecclesiastical service of adoration and homage to God.

Sight Singing/Ear Training: The study of listening for intervals, parts and production of those sounds, both vocally and with an instrument.

Technology in Worship: Overview of the current use of technology in the worship experience.

The Gift of Songwriting: This is an introductory survey course of teaching mechanics for songwriting, scoring, lyrics, voicing, etc.

The “HIM” Book: This course is designed to give an overview of the structure of the Bible. The purpose is to equip students with tools to rightly divide the Word of truth. We want to see Him, live Him and sing Him from the greatest “Him Book/Hymn Book” in the world.

The Music, The Message, The Mission: This class will show how all three (3) of the elements are crucial to Church Growth and Evangelism within our churches. This class will focus on each “M” Tuesday through Thursday. There will be scriptural support for each “M” and each class will be complimentary of the other.

Thomas Dorsey Music Literature: A music repertoire class that will involve participants in the introduction of songs from the Father of Gospel Music library. The coverage will be S-A-T-B for some 10-12 songs. (Song books will be required)

Vocal Laboratory (CEU Recommended Class): This course of study will provide the student with a working knowledge of the vocal mechanism stressing the natural function of the human voice; a sound foundation of vocal technique; the development of good intonation; vocal resonance, ear, tonal place and flexibility; the development of the artistic and physical elements of singing; presence/confidence; clarity/blend (2 yr. requirement for certification).

NEW COURSE OFFERINGS

“Are You In Shape For Ministry”: Discover and develop your spiritual gift for ministry. This class will help believers discover and develop their place in ministry. Are you in shape, out of shape or bent out of shape.

Christian Education through Music

Orchestral Instruments in Worship: This course will show how the orchestra can be used in your churches worship experience.

Parliamentary Procedure: This course will give you an overview of how to conduct meetings and the purpose of a parliamentarian.

The Volunteer/Bi-Vocational Music Leader: A guide to using the hymnal creatively.

“What Now? Elder Planning”: A step-by-step guide to navigating through your parents’ aging journey.