On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists hosted Whole Note: Music & Worship Workshop, Part 2, at the May Pen SDA Church, Clarendon. This was in sequence with the introductory event held at the Family of God Church in St. Catherine the previous year. Whereas attendees in 2024 were held to specific areas of specialization, this year, all 130-plus participants had an opportunity to glean musical skills from four rotated segments: Music Theory, Vocal Music, Conducting, and Piano/Keyboard.
The event was held in partnership with the Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU’s) Department of Music and Fine Arts. The team of music educators was led by Professor Marilyn Anderson, Interim Chair of the department. Joining her as presenters were accomplished music practitioner, Dr. Diana Wilson; singer, preacher and teacher, Ms. Glenda Anderson; and accompanist and lecturer, Mrs. Jennifer Ferreira Simpson.
The meeting began at 9:30 AM with congregational singing led by four students of Music from NCU. Devotional nugget and prayer were given by Assistant Pastor for the Cedar Grove District of Churches and Instructor in the School of Religion & Theology, Pastor Odiaka Walker, who launched his exhortation from the book of Revelation which portrayed saints singing in the presence of the Lamb. Pastor walker emphasized that the focus of the redeemed is not the audience or performance, but on the One sitting on the throne. “Our music is God-centered, not man centered.” We sing true redemption song.
Host pastor, Kemel O’Hara, warmly received and welcomed the gathering, and introduced CJC president, Pastor Nevail Barrett, who also serves the Conference as Director of Music. In his opening remarks, the president and director, said, “We want to maintain a high standard of music in our churches. Our musicians and song leaders must be dedicated and competent as they prepare for this special part of the worship service. You are what you feed your mind on. Choose excellence.”
Young talents from the University continued to inspire as siblings Nia and Imani Adonis demonstrated their expertise on viola and violin in the morning segment, and Odane Solomon on saxophone in the afternoon. Kaylia Walker and Ashley Johnson were among the group, leading in vocal and instrumental deliveries.
Several participants expressed their appreciation of the content provided and made known their desire for the programme’s continuation through short-course structures, with certification. Attendee, Roxanne White, commended the coordinators for deploying presenters from the previous workshop, which allowed for more depth in the second phase. Said White, “I am pleased that this time, the groups were rotated, so all attendees could access the full [Whole Note] experience”.
Participants also reported benefiting from areas such as reading and interpreting music; the importance of musical scores; diction; prayerful song selection; the musician’s role in setting the pace for congregational singing; the difference between special and meditation music; and timing (rhythm and tempo).
All had a part in the SATB choral singing of Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee - the final curtain to close the CJC’s Whole Note: Music & Worship Workshop 2025. Prayer, food, and fellowship brought up the rear to a gratifying and instructive occasion.