MUSICIANS from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Lismore dioceses were among the participants at the 2013 “Beat school of Music”.
The program of hands-on training and formation in contemporary Catholic worship conducted by emmanuelworship ran from January 4-8 and attracted about 70 people.
Director of emmanuelworship Patrick Keady said Beat’s goal was to inspire, equip and raise up a new generation of worship leaders and musicians for the Church of the 21st century.
He said participants included National Evangelisation Teams (NET) members from around the world who signed up for the NET music training program.
“I liked the idea of their music training program and thought we could make something larger and run for longer,” he said.
“This is our fourth year and the first time Beat has been held at the Australian Catholic University.”
Mr Keady said when he was younger he didn’t know his music had a place in the Church or was even welcome.
“When I discovered the gifts God had given me were not only welcome but could be powerful in building up His kingdom, it’s been my dream to turn around and encourage others to use their gifts and find their place in the Church as well,” he said.
He said over the four days participants were involved in a “Heart-Hand” approach to music.
“In the morning we have ‘Heart’ sessions that impart inspirational formation in honing musical gifts such as the meaning of worship, and bringing all that together in the Eucharist by learning the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind music, worship and liturgy,” he said.
Mr Keady said these sessions were followed by “Hand” workshops run each morning and afternoon, with musicians and vocalists from emmanuelworship – part of Brisbane’s Emmanuel Community – passing on skills and tips they have learned over the years.
“(During these sessions) we have speakers I like to gather from our own ministry such as Zach Woodward, who grew up in Albany Creek parish, who talked about music and being a drummer, and Laura Otto, my fellow organiser, who talked about the Mass, a subject she is passionate about,” he said.
He said a high point of the event was the Sunday-afternoon Mass celebrated by Beenleigh parish priest Fr Tony Girvan.
“He gave a homily about what the Mass is and his preaching, combined with the worship and singing from participants, provided a powerful experience,” he said.
Mr Keady said January was a busy month for Emmanuel Community with about 200 teenagers converging on Mt Tamborine on January 10 for the annual ZERO GRAVITY youth camp.
