The integration of contemporary worship hymns into the church : an analysis of contemporary worship music styles and their historical development : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

For my Honors thesis, which I am registered for in the fall of 2000, I would like to do a project surrounding the topic of contemporary church music. I want to study the historical progression of more recent contemporary church worship music. This will involve gaining a foundation of 19" century worship music, but primarily focus on changes that have occurred since the 1970's that have worked to fuse the formerly forbidden sounds of rock and pop into the church. I plan to present this research in a paper that will be an integrated summary of my reactions, analysis and criticism on all that has been studied.The bulk of my final product will take the form of a creative project. I want to record and remake 10-12 worship songs and put them on CD, to have a very tangible/creative project. I have been playing church music for about 8 years, and have taken classical guitar instruction at Ball State for four years. Along with having written and re-written many contemporary church songs that are in use now, I have played with a nationally known band "The Elms" and played at big events such as the Dove Awards, or the Christian equivalent of the Grammy's. I will do this with the utmost professionalism. I am experienced in recording and sound synthesis techniques, and have played and recorded my own as well as others music in a home studio for over 4 years. I have all the equipment and facilities to make this recording at home in southern Indiana, as well as a wealth of talented musicians who I am happy to call my friends.It is not as important that I receive credit in history or music for this project, but gain a broader background as to where church worship has been and where it is going in the future, as well as providing my own tangible contribution to its future. This is important because as the church changes musical formats to cater to a new, younger audience, embracing more contemporary styles and less formalism, it is important not to lose sight of doctrinal roots and do away with all tradition- therefore alienating a large number of people who are uncomfortable with such changes. In contrast "change," with new, fresh and bold ideas, should not be feared, and can be used within the context of church. Christianity is about a balance between grace and holiness. Grace without holiness, is blind, apathetic faith, while holiness without grace is strict legalism.I plan to work with a more than one advisor and have yet to find one who would fit as a primary one. As of now I am working and researching with Dr. Kevin Smith from the History Dept. to whom I was referred from Dr. T. Edmonds. To the extent that my project looks at contemporary music from a longterm historical perspective he has offered to be of some assistance, but to the extent that my project is more modern, he has recommended that another advisor may be more helpful, and useful. He has offered to serve as a supplemental advisor as of now, but recommends I talk to two of his colleagues: Professor (Lori) Rhoden in Music and Professor (Kerry) Jones in Math. I have also been referred to Dr. Doug Amman and Dr. Kirby Koriath. All of them are actually involved in music ministries at their respective churches, and may be more useful because they have had professional musical training. I am open to any suggestions and looking to nail down a primary advisor within a few weeks, but as of now will continue to work on a primary, working bibliography and do preliminary research.Honors CollegeThesis (B.?.