WCU alumnus David Kanga checks light and sound levels before a pre-pandemic graduation ceremony.
The Winters School of Music at William Carey University posted a record-breaking enrollment for the fall term and is finding alternate ways to maintain its performance schedule.
“William Carey has the highest enrollment of music students in school history and is one of the largest schools of music in the state. This record enrollment is a testimony to the work of our dean, Dr. Wes Dykes, his faculty and staff,” said WCU President Dr. Tommy King.
During the pandemic, Winters School has pivoted to virtual performance to allow students and audiences to share music and worship. With musicians and singers observing COVID-19 safety protocols, concerts are livestreamed or recorded at WCU’s Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium. Online concerts in October featured performances by the Symphonic Winds, Carey Jazz Lab, String Orchestra, Chorale and Worship Choir.
David Kanga graduated from Winters School in 2019 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. He is production technical director of Temple Baptist Church and oversees media at Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium.
“I have been working in media technology professionally for 13 years and have seen its use and acceptance grow over the decade. Today, I think we all see it is essential. COVID-19 has forced all of us to incorporate technology in life in some form,” Kanga said.
“Even before the pandemic, Winters School of Music was developing technology courses and degree plans to tackle technology needs in our houses of worship. At Carey, we want to train and launch the best students into our world and churches. As many before us have, we want to utilize technology to further God’s kingdom to those around us.”
Last year, Winters School introduced a new bachelor’s degree in music, with concentrations in worship technology or worship leadership. It is designed to give full-time and bi-vocational music ministry leaders a greater depth of skills to lead today’s church.
“A state-of-the-sound lab, Tuscan Studios, is also in development. The need for instruction in the latest methods of technology has never been more important. This studio will be used to train students to thrive as leaders in church, school, and music industry technology settings,” Dykes said.
“We are motivated to see students choose William Carey because we know they will not only get a great education – they will have the opportunity to grow in character. Our deepest desire is to see them be the best at what they do when they graduate and make a difference in the world.”
For more information, visit
www.wmcarey.edu/music or
www.facebook.com/wmcareymusic.
