MOBILE, Ala. -- Building on its success in turning out successful Christian musicians, the University of Mobile has launched a campus-based center officials say they hope will be a pipeline for evangelical churches, Baptist Press reported.
Dubbed the "UM Center for Performing Arts," it will be directed by Roger Breland, a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and founder of contemporary Christian group TRUTH.
University president Mark Foley said Breland's experience and his contacts within the music industry will be key in expanding the university's music program to include an emphasis on contemporary Christian music (CCM) to complement its classical, jazz and opera departments.
"It's a reflection of the strength of our current program that many of our students and graduates have found success in the contemporary Christian music industry," Foley told the news service.
Among the CCM artists with roots at the university are Big Daddy Weave; Dove Award-winning choral composer Steven V. Taylor; and Jamie Harvill, who composed the popular songs "Ancient of Days" and "Firm Foundation." Beverly Williamson Darnall, who produced Amy Grant's concert tours, attended the university.
"We have graduates leading music programs in churches, teaching music in both secular and sacred venues, and performing and writing Christian music," Foley said. "With Roger Breland's leadership, we will see more high-profile contemporary Christian groups like Big Daddy Weave, more composers, more worship leaders, more music teachers - all with the solid musical training to enable them to be successful in whatever venture they choose to share their talents."
Breland was founder and director of TRUTH until he retired and the group disbanded in June 2002, according to the report. For 31 years, TRUTH traveled 3 million miles, performed 10,000 concerts in 26 countries, made 60 albums, and involved 400 musical artists, many of whom are now popular CCM recording artists. Some former TRUTH singers are 4Him, Natalie Grant, Alicia, Avalon, Russ Lee, Kim Noblitt and Chuck Newman.
