Phillip Carter Offers Free Gospel Music Workshops in 2019

Stellar Award winning Gospel artist and church musician Phillip Carter is offering FREE music workshops to church music ministries in 2019. Phillip is on an endeavor to strengthen music ministries in need across the USA and abroad. To book a free workshop for you church or community choir visit www.buygospel.com.

Honoring DMV's Greatest Gospel Musicians (Past and Present) Part 2

The DMV area is so blessed wiith innovators and trendsetters in the area of Gospel Music. In the last blog, I explored the "creme de la creme" of Gospel Musicians in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. I'm back with part 2 because there are some others that I would like to recognize as well. As always I am sure this list is not complete but it's thorough. Let's get started!

1. William Hubbard

    

William Hubbard is the writer of one of the most popular Gospel /Praise and Worship songs of all time, "I Love You Lord Today", which was originally recorded by The Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir and has been and continues to be one of greatest Gospel Musicians the DMV has ever seen and heard. William came from a musical family as his mother was a musician in her own right. He is not only a great Gospel Musician and songwriter, but his expertise also reaches into the realm of musical theater. William Hubbard has never allowed the trendiness of Gospel Music to narrow his eclectic musical genius as he continues to write music that will stand the test of time. Hear his version of the 23rd Psalm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WO8_8fuUSg

2. Warren Jones (Far left in picture)

                                           

  

Musician, singer, songwriter Warren Jones is a a quiet storm in the DMV area. He is nationally known for his producing both Gospel and R&B artists. Warren also penned a very popular worship song recorded by The Potter's House Mass Choir entitled, "Majesty" some years ago. Warren has all of the "intangibles" as they say in sports.  He can do anything as it pertains to music. Despite his demanding career as a producer, he is still a church musician. One of the humbling facts about Warren is that he is not a mega church guy. He works with and ministers in places that most big named musicians wouldn't even consider, and he is to be commended for that.  Warren is also one of the founding members of a very popular Gospel band in the 90's called Gideon Band and a gifted drummer as well..  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5A4d9rMjIU

3. Mike Smith

I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with this monster musician for many years now. Mike Smith is a musical tactician and a Stellar nominated producer. Mike Smith knows how to play and produce music. He was my co-producer and a writer on my last project, and has worked with many DMV artists in helping to make their dreams come true.  A native of State College, Pennsylvania, Mike moved to the DC area not really knowing a lot about the inner workings of how to play Gospel Music, but he had a ear that developed him into the phenomenal musician he is today. He is now the Minister of Music of the Jones Tabernacle Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD, and well respected and noted by many as a great musician and songwriter.  

4. Nate Fields  

You cannot be a musician in the DMV area, and not know who Bassist Nate Fields is with his high pitched voice. Nate plays the bass with reckless precision as he has graced so many recordings in the DMV area with an unmistakable foundation. Nate is somewhat of a pioneer with his uncanny ability to ad lib while still holding down the foundation in a song. Nate is also the Minister of Music of Redeeming Love Christian Center in DC where his father is the Pastor. Here's a clip of Nate playing the bass along with Warren Jones(Piano) and Mike Smith (Organ). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hfQlMXaQpw

5. Jay Williams (J.J.)

J.J is a pioneer and mentor to so many in the DC metropolitan area and abroad. He is one of the greatest drummers in America, and we have been blessed to hear him in the DC area for over 20 years now. Jay Williams is the lead drummer at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Lanham, MD, but his resume far exceeds the limitations of Gospel Music. He's helped so many artists in many other genres of music as well and continues to tour as needed. J.J. is not only a great musician, he is a great person. He is one of the best session drummers I have ever seen.  He's also a family man, and comes from a musical family. His father, the late Judge Williams Sr., was also well known in our area as the Minister of Music at the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church in DC.. See J.J. with Marcus Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEsN4lAVCs0

6. Daryl Hunt

One word.... Musical Genius

I have never worked with Daryl Hunt before, but I have seen and experienced his work. There is really no one like him in our area. He writes, arranges, and plays like tomorrow may not get here. Daryl is very educated and knowledgeable in not only Gospel Music, but he is a wizard in orchestration. He has written and/or arranged songs for R&B artists as well. He is a humble man with a vision to educate young people. Hear his rendition of Richard Smallwood's "Lord's Prayer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nkPI4qwDAQ

7. Justin Savage

 

When you mention the name Justin Savage to anyone who plays Gospel music, their eyes begin to light up because the man is simply amazing. He is a trendsetter and a student of music. Justin has graced many national recordings, and is the Assistant Minister of Music at the Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, MD.  The DC area first heard of Justin through his amazing performance and production of Jonathan Nelson's first project that he did in Baltimore, MD.  It was like a Sunday School lesson, Justin had changed the game. His style was refreshing and many in our area have adopted his way of approaching piano playing. Justin has mentored many musicians, and continues to play and produce for many across the USA.  Justin is a great singer as well. Check out his latest single.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCoP21FGGVE

8. Reger Smith (Ross Smith)

Ross Smith is one of the proteges of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church who branched out to do so much more in the Gospel Music scene in the DMV area. Ross is not only a bassist, but he is a musician's musician. Ross is currently on staff at the First Baptist Church Of Glenarden in Maryland and Capitol Hill SDA Church in DC.  I likened his playing to that of Mark Walker. He has a very clear and concise sound. I have never seen Ross unprepared for an event or service. He is now a staple in the Gospel Community as a reliable bassist and a person of integrity. http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIMlA1tR6CUAbBP7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBrc3VyamVwBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQD?p=Ross+Smith%2C+bass&vid=4c272f2f7a813cbae8d778cf89a2024e&l=9%3A41&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.4649934432633319%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DN2qqSultBfA&tit=CHC+Church+Praise+and+Worship&c=1&sigr=11a5j8veh&age=0&fr=yfp-t-900&vm=r&tt=b

9. Melvin Bryant

When you talk about virtuoso pianists, Melvin Bryant's name has to be on the top of the list. Melvin Bryant, the Assistant Minister of Music at the Alfred Street Baptist Church, in Alexandria, VA, is a well informed, well educated minstrel who can make anything talk on the black and white keys. He is also a recording artist having released an album of his own in 2003. Melvin is also a great teacher and friend to many in the DMV area. Melvin is an active participant and contributor in the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. He lends a hand when he can and is very humble about the gifts that God has blessed him with.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LQP-tbzyBA

10. Stephen Key

Arranger, songwriter, singer, minister of music, and music transcriber Stephen Key leaves no stone unturned in the field of music. He is a well sought after musician for his accuracy in interpreting music as the artist would prefer it. He has played for many on the biggest stages the DMV area has to offer. He has his own group, Steve Key and Company.  Steve Key & Company has performed in several European music festivals including the1998 North Sea Jazz festival at The Hague in Holland, where the group performed before standing room only audiences.  The group remains committed to spreading the gospel in song whenever called upon. Stephen is also well sought after for his music transcription services. His turn around time is unbelievable in getting music back to his clients. He hails from a musical family, is well rooted in the DMV area, and is well deserved to be on this list. http://www.stepkeymusic.com/gpage1.html



Honorable Mentions- 
Mike McCoy- Great gospel musician and teacher.
Carlton Burgess- Great teacher and mentor to many in the DMV area
Jimmy Russell- Who taught and mentored so many in the DC area.
Terrell Graham- He is one of the longest tenured drummers at one church in the DC area . The 1st drummer I ever saw in the DC area using and MPC back in the early 90's.
Michael White- great singer, musician and songwriter
Paul Avery- musician with unlimited musical ideas
Jamal Moore- Who is now probably the most sought after session drummer in the DC area
Bob Terry- Guitarist
Alvin White- Guitarist
Damon Grey- Just a monster musician and a great musical support to many.

"Dealing With Unruly Church Employees"

As I stated in earlier blogs, being a leader is quite a daunting task especially in the church. One of the challenges that leaders often face is dealing with unruly employees. One of the definitions of unruly is " Disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control" (Google). I would suspect that the latter part of that definition applies to most of our unruly situations (lacking discipline or control). There are 2 kinds of unruly employees. There are those who do all of their dirty work behind the scenes using the telephone, internet and group discussions. They secretly plot against you or someone else and form regimes to either overthrow you or to make your job difficult, unproductive or sometimes unbearable. Then there are those who have no fear in publicly displaying their displeasure's, thoughts, emotions about anything and everything you do with no complete thought in mind as to the effect of their public outcry. In other words they choose to hang themselves.

I know some of you are thinking "I would rather have the public outcry then the private stabbing in the back". Well keep in mind that the public outcry can cause folks to leave ministries, choir stands and pews. It does just as much damage. So how do you deal with unruly employees. If you are a Pastor, or a person who has authority to hire and fire, then you could just fire the person right? Well that only works if the person has no credibility or fan base within the congregation. I've known many Pastors who have fired employees on the spot for valid reasons and suffered consequences because they did not take into account the public sentiment for the individual they fired. Maybe you could sit the person down to talk and pray with them about the situation in the hopes that they will change right?. Well that works sometimes but most of the time it doesn't because the unruly individual does not see their own behavior as a problem. They view you, the employer, as the problem and maybe you need to change rather than them. So here are some tips that have worked for me and others when dealing with an unruly employees.

1. Keep an accurate timeline and documentation of where, when and what was said and done by the individual(s).

2. Try to avoid public confrontations with the individual unless your support system is so strong that it can withstand the possible backlash.

3. Always approach the unruly employee with kindness not letting him know how you really feel or what your possible strategy is in dealing with that person.

4. If your a Pastor, never call out that particular employee from the pulpit. Again you never know the public sentiment for a person and you do not want to gauge it from the Pulpit. If your public rebuke does not work in your favor then you have lost credibility and respect among your parishioners regardless of whether they express it to you or not.

5. Approach the individual with your evidence of their unruly behavior and ask them to stop or face the possible consequences that you have laid out. Most will not stop but they might change their method of attack so keep that in mind.

6. When the dismissal takes place never offer up the reasons why unless someone asks. You weaken your position as leader if you have to over explain your self to any and everybody. Just have the evidence ready if and when they come calling for it. NO ONE CAN ARGUE WITH THE TRUTH.


These are just a few ways to deal with unruly Church employees but there are others that I am sure some of you will mention. I welcome your thoughts, ideas and suggestions and I pray for you if you are in one of these situations.


Peace,

Phillip Carter

The Hiring of a Church Musician Vol 1 (From The Church's Perspective)

Music plays such an important role in our worship that hiring the right or wrong Musician, Minister of Music or Director could move your ministry forward or backwards for years (in some cases). Whoever is doing the hiring in your church should have a clear vision on where the ministry God has blessed your church with is going. Without that answer you have no idea who to hire. In most cases, the Pastor has the responsibility to share that vision with the potential candidates.  The Pastor or Leadership should never hire someone just based off of ability or popularity. There should be open dialogue about personal and spiritual things concerning both the Pastor and Musician. Every decision made concerning worship in the church should be a spiritual decision.You (Pastor and/or leadership) should be clear about your expectations, needs and your personality as a leader and/or congregation. You should investigate the spiritual and musical strengths and weaknesses of your potential applicants.

For some this is a whole new level of relationship. Back in the day it was just "I need a musician and this is what  I am or am not paying" and you hired the 1st one available. No talk of vision or ministry. Of course salary/benefits is a major issue. It's important to be open and honest about what you can afford before you waste your time and the interviewees time with frivolous conversation. Musicians/Directors wanna know "How Much". That's not a greedy question. Its a necessary question that often gets answered last (Oh how frustrating). Most musicians, that I know of, really care about the needs of the church but they also wanna know about the payment as well. 

Pastors, Leaders don't hire anyone you are not willing to support and trust as a leader or future leader. You should hire someone that you are going to respect and vice versa. 

Every hire, unless you have previous history with the Musician/Director, should be on a trial (60 to 90 day) period so that if things don't work out you can get out of the arrangement. Sometimes you have to search and pray hard and long for that person(s) to come your way but it's well worth the wait. Just ask the Pastors or Leaders who are happy with their Music Ministry leaders.  They will tell you that the marriage between Pastor and Musician can be wonderful when two are in agreement and operating correctly.

Phillip Carter