Education
At age 19. I found myself in the academic classroom in a three room country school staring into the eyes of 33 Grade 4-6 students. Since then I have had the privilege of teaching in a great variety of academic settings: elementary classroom teacher (4), choral and band in public (6) and Christian schools (7), MK school music director (8), Bible College professor (12). Education has also been an important part of my church involvement in Sunday School, youth work, radio and pastoral ministry. I consider it a joy and privilege to share my years of experience with educators. International Christian schools are of particular interest to me. Click on the title for PDF of areas I have to offer (right click for download) For more information contact James Janzen
1) Nurturing the Highly Sensitive Person
15 - 20% of students fall into this category. Most highly sensitive students possesses artistic gifting or what is commonly referred to as the artistic temperament. Un-nurtured artists don’t fit in, feel unwanted and experience feelings of disorientation. Expressive, vocal, dramatic and highly involved in the arts and worship, they impact public relations and often comprise the majority of students that determine some of the prominent features of the public face of the school. Surrendered to the will of God, the artistic component of the school is an asset. Controlled by self and fuelled by sinful passion, it is a liability.
Students who understand themselves as highly sensitive people are a joy to work with and channel their gifting into profitable and constructive endeavours. Staff, administration and parents who understand the artistic temperament or the role of the arts in Christian education will be proactive in nurturing the highly sensitive person and dealing with issues related to creativity and the arts. Creativity is an essential ingredient to all learning and is dependent on sensitivity. As a result, many aspects of this workshop are relevant to all students and all areas of education. This workshop can be geared towards students or teachers and parents. All will benefit from the spiritual and practical guidance presented.
2) Balanced Worship in Christian Schools
How can worship meet the varied demands of different personalities, levels of maturity and aspects of our human nature? The answer lies in a careful biblical study of “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” in the context of Colossians and Ephesians.
3) Biblical Principles of Worship Ed
Worship practice and philosophy always generates emotional discussion. Shift the focus from personal passions and preference to a discussion based on biblical principles.
4) Developing and Maintaining Healthy Worship Teams
Looking for a better sound and ensemble for your worship team? Yearning for a more effective rehearsal procedure, plan and concept? Wish your players had a better understanding of what the what the Bible teaches about worship and what God is looking for in our worship? Have your worship team(s) experience ideas that will develop individual understanding needed for effective rehearsal. Workshop includes discussion and application of biblical template.
5) Involving Choir and Band in Chapel Worship
This workshop can be geared towards students or teachers and parents. Do you wish brass and woodwind players were more involved in chapel worship? How about the choral program? Learn to understand, use and appreciate the strengths of each group. All will benefit from the spiritual and practical guidance presented.
6) Choral and Instrumental Repertoire.pdf
Interested in seeing some of the repertoire that I have conducted over the years? Would you like to rehearse, study or prepare some of this repertoire? Would you like help in preparation and conducting? Contact me to discuss options that would be helpful to you.
7) ‘Hands On’ Conducting
Learn a vocabulary of conducting gestures that will help your singers or instrumental players recreate the ‘ideal concert’ that already exists in your mind. Based on need, topics will be chosen from: score reading, transpositions, instrumental techniques, intonation, building ensemble and choosing suitable repertoire.
It is a sobering reality that for many singers, their conductor is their only voice coach. For better or worse, conductors influence vocal production, determine vocal health and build vocal habits. It is important that all conductors have a fundamental understanding of how the voice works and what kind of exercises give singers understanding, skill and good habits.
9) Guest conductor (no download link)
Need a guest conductor for a combined event or special concert? Want to see a demonstration of the impact of my teaching on your choir or instrumental group? I am available to bring my rich experience with a great variety of groups to your special event. From the small church choir or chamber choir to the large Masterworks Chorus with orchestra or a combined event like the ACSI Musicale, I would enjoy taking your group to another level.
WORKSHOP TITLES FOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (No download links)
A) What would a school that loves the Lord with heart, soul and mind look like? ( no download link)
B) Understanding Creativity
As a classroom teacher
As an arts specialist
As an administrator
C) Multiple intelligences - Implication for Christian schools and the arts.
