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Compassion International

Sunday Edition


01
Oct
2006
Answering The Call


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This year’s NQC was a life- changing week for me. First, I’d like to say “Thank You” to so many of you who took the time to find me at NQC to tell me you enjoy this column every month. I had no idea so many of you were out there. Thanks for the kind, uplifting and loving words you spoke.

Little did I know when I was getting ready to go to NQC this year, that by the time it was ended I’d have a new direction for my life – that I’d answer “the call” I’ve been hearing for the last year. I’ve been attending the NQC for decades and this year the NQC took a giant step forward by providing showcases and seminars for our “stars of tomorrow”. I’m proud to say the seminars were a huge success, and I’m humbled to have been asked to be a part of them.

I saw the future of our industry sitting before me every day, eager to learn and to be taught. I must admit that all of those faces and teachable hearts really got to me.

I’ve been writing my articles and telling the truth, intentionally trying to stir up dialogue. I’ve been especially hard on the new guys...trying to whip them into shape, and steer them away from the pitfalls. Most of you see through the tough guy words to the soft heart inside me that wants the best for the future of this wonderful ministry of music we all cherish and want to preserve. I am also gratified to learn that many of you are starting to see through the scams that are foisted upon the innocent newcomers to our industry. Thank God.

This last year I’ve worked with some truly wonderful “weekend warriors”, and the more I’ve worked with them the more I realized that God was instilling within me a love and “passion” for teaching them and helping them succeed. It’s not just a passing fancy, it’s become a love affair. God’s whispers really became more like a resounding shout when I was at NQC and saw the great need there is for mentors in our industry.

Saul was on the road to Damascus to search for Christians to bind up and return to Jerusalem when the Lord appeared to him in the form of a blinding light. Through a miraculous healing and infilling of the Holy Spirit, Saul became Paul and was changed from the believers’ greatest adversary to the Church’s greatest Apostle.

There is something that happens to someone when they get “the call”…when that blinding light shines. There is a passion that is instilled that can’t be satisfied until “the call” is answered. I guess while I was at NQC this past month, I got “the call” to put my life where my words have been and devote myself to the aspiring artists of our industry.

After the convention, it became clear to my partners and I that the direction I was being led into would require some changes in the structure of our company. I am grateful to them for understanding my “call” and the need to fulfill that call. The amount of time required to run a record company prevented me from doing what I really want to do, therefore I will no longer be associated with Song Garden Music Group and I am free to devote myself full-time to fulfilling my “passion” of helping artists develop their ministries.

The Lord is leading me into a new ministry and I intend to answer the call. I have made the decision to dedicate myself to ministering to the “weekend warriors”.

My friends, our new artists are the lifeblood of our industry, and they must be nurtured and guided, not deceived. I intend to create a situation where artists can come in and be surrounded by love, and be able to work with professionals that can help them with every aspect of their career. The Lord is already opening doors that will allow me to fulfill this dream. I hope to have some specifics that I can publicly announce in the coming weeks.

Those of you who have read my articles know I never use these pages to propagate any personal interests, but I felt it was important to share with you my new found calling and direction. You can reach me at with any suggestions. Please, please pray for this endeavor.

As always, I welcome your comments.

God Bless you,

Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com

Answering The Call


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Soon after I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ I wanted to sing. I would sing doing the dishes, running the vacuum, whatever I was doing, I would be singing. My children would ask me to sing to them each night after our bedtime prayers. Singing was a way I expressed the gratitude I have towards God for giving me another chance. Oh, how I loved to sing.

It was only when I realized this wasn't just a love of mine, it was a calling. My thoughts were, Oh Lord, I can't do this! I have no schooling. I have no knowledge of music. I was simply clueless! I was so afraid. Every time I would doubt my calling, God would assure me to trust Him for He would pave the way.
Many times I would become so discouraged that I would nearly walk away from my calling. Friends and family would giggle and make fun. There was little encouragement from those I loved. But, each and every time I felt like giving up, God would give me a new song, or the phone would start ringing with invites to come sing somewhere.
God has always been my encourager and as He promised, He has paved the way.

Answering the call is still a struggle but, I have learned God is in control. He's the one who made the call. I just answered. I have more faith in my calling now. I have confidence that as long as I make this ministry all about Him, He will continue to pave the way.

Isn't it funny how when we do something just for the love of doing it how great it is? We never think of it as a task. It's just a way of life. But when it becomes a calling it's almost like as if it becomes a burden. I often think back on the days when I was a young Christian and how I wanted everybody to hear me sing. I loved singing so much I didn't care if I was any good or not. I just wanted to sing for Jesus and let the whole world know how much I loved Him.

Though times have changed and I'm more mature I still love to sing. I must admit that I sing best when it's just me and Jesus. I may never be a top 10 name on a chart but I know in Heaven, my name is recorded and that Jesus is preparing me a place where I can sing for Him throughout eternity. I'm glad I answered the call!

*Romans 8:28*
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Until next time; Chin up ~ Journey on!

Sharron Kay
http://www.songsofsharron.com

Reader Comments

Good luck Nick!


Commented by On 10/05/2006
There is a guy in CCM that is doing the same thing. He has about the same philosophy as Nick. I believe that if someone can help us little guys do it the right way, all us little guys can make a difference in the music world.

**edited by admin to remove advertising link

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit

- Galatians 5:25. 

My Blog



Commented by Keith Prater On 10/05/2006
This sounds all well and good Nick, and I wish you the best, however, isn't this 'education' going to turn out cookie cutter artists? Will the industry get to where they will only promote and deal with those that have been to (or been able to afford to attend) SGM FINISHING SCHOOL and forget about individualism and genuine ministry minded artists? Not that I shun advice from Nick Bruno or anyone who is willing to give it or share their wisdom, but isn't this just another untapped 'money tree'?

Please forgive my synicism in advance!


Commented by Donna Smith On 10/05/2006
Dee Ann Bailey's avatar If you have read what Nick has written over the months, you should know that 'cookie cutter' has never described anything he has said or done. Weekend warriors and new groups have choices to make as they try to improve their product, their image and their ministry.

They can struggle with trial and error, or they can learn from those that have been done that road, those that have already 'paid the price'. Now should those that have 'paid the price' charge for their knowledge? The Bible says the workman is worthy of his hire, so I think that answers that question.

In many cases the advice and coaching can save more than it costs. But for those that think to be a ministry you should a) never charge or anything and/or b) you should not be charged for anything, this may be hard to comprehend.

So Donna and others that see this as trying to find 'a money tree', I think a good look at what can be reaped from these benefits show that it is money well spent. Individuality and ministry are not polar opposites of good business and proper presentation. In fact, handled correctly, the two can enhance each other.

DeeAnn
TGIF Today God Is First
For Daily Devotions in your inbox each morning:
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Read my blog at http://www.bloglines.com/blog/Dee-Ann-Bailey



Commented by Dee Ann Bailey On 10/06/2006
It all depends on what Nick is going to teach.

Increasing our knowledge of music increases our range of musical expression instead of restricting it. The cookie-cutter effect comes from record companies' methods of making money, not from increased musicianship.

We must not confuse individualism with inability. Many times artists are individuals because they aren't well-trained. When they are not well-trained, they sound bad. Of couse they are being an individual, but not in a good way.

Being ministry minded does not exempt us from demonstrating good musicianship. If we wanted to use the medical profession as a tool for ministry, we would still need to learn how do be a doctor or nurse. The same with music. If we are going to use music as a tool for ministry, we need to learn to be good musicians.

I don't know what Nick is planning to teach the "weekend warriors," but if he is going to teach them good musicianship, it can't be anything but good.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit

- Galatians 5:25. 

My Blog



Commented by Keith Prater On 10/06/2006
I'm not putting this all on the 'educators' shoulders; like Keith says, record companies control the stearing wheel of the style and popularity of what sells. Elvis for example was shunned by gospel artists and couldn't get a 'fair hearing' because he was told he couldn't sing. He wasn't the 'greatest' vocalist, but his presentation more than made up for any flaws he may have had. He was different... so different it was unacceptable. Now, granted, his presentation was NOT church appropriate then, but we all know his story (or what we've been told.) {Can you see your grandma's passing out in church while Elvis came and sang 'At the Cross' or 'I'll Fly Away'. LOL - what a picture!}

Yes, this 'education' will greatly effect the industry. For the good and unfortunately for the bad. Yes, I believe in 'study to show thyself approved' and if the Lord allows and provides, I'll be the first one to sign up for the 'Nick Bruno SGM Finishing School for the ignorant to the industry'. I understand we want quality not quantity. Why if we can train everyone and really know who can sing and who can't, then we can eliminate competition and put further controls on the SGM industry.

Nick will be pumping out some hot commodities, record companies will say hey, lets just shop at the BrunoMart and save ourselves hassel in dealing with the 'uneducated' and 'bam' a market has been cornered. Will it then become another unwritten law that you have to go to SGM college before you are looked at by the industry powers that be? Of course this will definately spur competition (sorry Nick). The industry needs a shot in the arm, but not a shot of 'the old closed minded you-threaten-me-and-my-position; but a new mindset that agrees that we are different and being different is acceptable and there is room for more than just the chosen few. I know that 'many are called but few are chosen'... and even fewer stand the test of time. But, lets face it folks, SGM's old hats have/are going on to glory, they have worn well and there are no replacements. The industry is scrambling around trying to find 'new and fresh talent' because SGM has been a 'good ole' boys club' for quite some time. We aren't reaching the younger generation and haven't for years because we like it just the way it was. Problem is, our beloved SGM now has wholes on both sides, the artists and the listener and yet the industry appears to want to retain the 'club' attitude.

So, yes, it boils down to 'what will Nick teach? Can the walls be torn down?

I guess we'll have to wait anxiously and see.

Blessings, DS


Commented by Donna Smith On 10/07/2006
I think that perhaps some (Donna?) have not been reading Nick's columns over the past years because his main point of EDUCATION is to PROTECT newcomers from industry scam artists.
He seems to always be trying to PROTECT rather than CREATE a cookie cutter type of artist.

And when he says that if your talent is less than excellent, you should work on that BEFORE you spend thousands of dollars on things like radio promotion. He's telling the truth.


Commented by On 10/07/2006
CliffCerce's avatar I first met Nick Bruno when he was 19. I wasn't too much younger than that. I have followed his career since then. He traveled for years in several groups with good friends of mine - and with someone I later traveled with in a group for years - who is now one of the few in the Pennsylvania Gospel Music Hall of Fame. I followed him as producer/ session piano player/arranger at Don Baldwin's legendary recording studio - and am familiar with many of the albums he was responsible for there. There was a big hole left at the studio when he left - and I couldn't begin to fill it.

His work with The Kingsmen and The Stamps was extraordinary. And, I am aware of recent recording projects he has done for my friends, and they are sensational. We are planning, Lord willing, to put our next actual studio recording project (after we do our live concert album early next year) totally into his capable hands, hoping to do it in the Fall of next year. We wanted to go with the best - and he can't be topped, in my estimation.

One of the highlights at NQC this year was my chance to visit with Nick. Our lead singer, Andy, had his own private visit with Nick at NQC - and came away so impressed that he is already excited about the album we will do a year from now.

I know of no one more qualified, and with more of a heart and a desire to help improve the techniques and ministries of artists, than Nick Bruno.

And, the artists under his care will profit gratly, in my humble opinion.

Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com



Commented by CliffCerce On 10/07/2006
The comments here have been as interesting as Nick's announcement itself.

There's a part of the equasion that's not been mentioned ... which I first learned from my wife nearly 50 years ago, and has been key to my success in programming the Easy Listening format in secular radio for more than 40 years ... Nick can help train a person to sing properly and how to present their songs -- however, if the one doing the singing doesn't/cannot sing that song from his/her heart, it will not have a positive impact on the listener.

Nick can give the person guidance in this area and help them understand what's necessary; however, if that person doesn't have the ability for one reason or another, Nick cannot teach it. Then, it will be Nick's responsibility to suggest a different profession.

My wife Alicia - who is the voice you hear on XM's enLighten34 - does not possess the greatest voice ever to step into a stage, but when she sings to a congregation/audience ... her words are communicated with an impact.

Another important element: she will not sing a piece of music until she fully understands and believes in the message to be communicated.

As for Nick's "calling" ... that's exactly how I feel. I did not join XM to be the Program Director for enLighten34 ... I've been an XM program director since late 2000. However, I believe the Lord's ultimate purpose in providing the opportunity for me at XM was to be available to shepherd this Southern Gospel channel, which has become one of the great thrills in my 71 years on this earth.

Marlin Taylor


Commented by On 10/07/2006
CliffCerce's avatar How awewsome, Marlin

Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com



Commented by CliffCerce On 10/07/2006
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