Along with good preaching gospel music is the cornerstone of the African American church. The soulful tones and heartfelt lyrics draw in the believer and non-believer alike. Gospel music has the power to uplift, encourage, rejuvenate, and compel the most hardened heart to worship the Lord. Something so vital to the success of the ministry must be cultivated and perfected through prayer, practice, and education. That and so much more was achieved this past Wednesday through Saturday as Brenda Wynn hosted the 29th Annual Excellence in Gospel Music Workshop.
Wynn has directed the choir at Greater Apostolic Faith Temple for nearly 30 years. Shortly after taking on the tremendous responsibility of leading such an awesome music ministry the Lord directed her to start the workshop; it has grown and prospered ever since. Wynn attributes her success in the ministry and being able to remain in the ranks for so long to consistency, faithfulness, and prayer. “Follow the Lord; always honor your leadership and follow their vision.” Is the advice she’d give to any church choir director. These qualities have solidified her as a gospel choir great amongst the San Diego Apostolic community.
The Excellence in Gospel Music Workshop began Wednesday and continued throughout the remainder of the week with seminars regarding vocal technique and mass choir rehearsals. Each day singers, choir directors, and musicians from churches across the city gathered together to fellowship, learn, and perfect the gifts entrusted unto the by the Lord. Pastor Suzie Wright, hailed as an evangelist to musicians and singers, has been invited to teach these seminars for the past 12 years. She focuses on the framework and foundation of putting a choir together and maintaining it. The man of the hour was Pastor Jonathan Dunn, who is from Cincinnati and has recently opened his ministry, Fresh Anointing Impact Church. For years he has traveled the country ministering to gospel music elite. His assignment is to reveal the destiny and potential within an individual. Out of all his years of singing and working in the gospel music industry his one piece of advice is, “Don’t try to be successful. Strive to be faithful. You can be successful, but be in the wrong lane, which is ultimately failure.”
All these seminars and rehearsals culminated with an extraordinary worship in the park experience. Just like the presence of God shining upon his people so shined the summer sun upon the people of God as they gathered. They set aside their Sunday duds and donned their casual attire of jeans, jean skirts, and tennis shoes for a shouting good time at Memorial Park. Singers from sister churches throughout the city converged into one glorious choir and sang beautifully to God. Their hard work throughout the week was evident in the flawless vocal and instrumental performance. Even the children received instruction on how to hone their budding gifts and took the stage Saturday as well. Directed by Genise Strong their angelic voices sang Israel Houghton’s Who is Like the Lord. “The whole experience is very inspiring and uplifting. You always get something out of it,” said Strong, who has attended the workshop for seven years and just recently came on board to direct the children. Her sentiment was reflected in all the smiling faces as they enjoyed the performance and praise God in the park.
The Excellence in Gospel Music Workshop was an extraordinary experience for many. Brenda Wynn has successfully facilitated these seminars for 29 years and now she has one more under her belt. It is her vision for the workshop to continue on. Although she still has many good years in her and is not nearly close to the age of being put out to pasture, she envisions that when the time comes someone will pick up the mantle and run with the same passion and vigor as she did.
