MAKING AN IMPACT!!

By SABO JISE

Catching up with past SOMM students...

We recently had an email interview with some of our past SOMM students. They shared with us how the school has Impacted their Lives, in this post we will be hearing from :: Ben Behrens - SOMM '07 and Ian McHale - SOMM '08.


QUESTION 1:: HOW THE SOMM HAS CONTRIBUTED TO EQUIP AND PREPARE YOUR FOR YOUR NEXT STEP OF CALLING OR AREA OF PASSION(S).

ANSWER:: During SOMM Outreach, God spoke to my heart a lot about His ways in the arts. I got a clear word during the YWAM international conferences in Thailand in 2007 about the prophetic nature of the arts and how God wants to use art and music to build His kingdom in a wide-ranging way. I was especially hit with His desire for justice in the world at large and in the music industry. Over the last few years I've been walking through a vision of setting up a recording studio focused on redeeming the behind-the-scenes work of the industry for the Kingdom of God, mentoring musicians, and prophetically calling for a Biblical worldview in the music business.
(Ben Behrens – SOMM 2007)

ANSWER:: One of the biggest lessons I learned during the SOMM had nothing to do with the instrument I played, or the music I wanted to write- it had to do with the heart I was approaching my music with. Like many musicians, the fine line between "striving for excellence" and "putting on a show" was often where I stumbled. A common theme throughout the SOMM was learning how to be humble with the gifts God gives us, while at the same time bringing him everything we have. We were put in group writing sessions, which quickly taught us how to compromise and work cooperatively on group songs. This strategy of song writing in a group immediately took the focus off the individual as we worked together to play only what best served the song at hand.
(Ian McHale – SOMM 2008)


QEUSTION 2:: HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO APPLY THE PRINCIPLES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE YOU ACQUIRED OR LEARNT DURING YOUR SOMM FOR WHAT YOUR DOING RIGHT NOW?

ANSWER:: SOMM was my first formal teaching in sound reinforcement. I had a bit of hard and fast learning from previous gigs, but this was the first time that some of the principles of live sound were taught to me. That has ended up being very useful in recording. Also, the week on Event Management has been really useful as well--I have something to bring to the table when I'm connecting with other recording engineers, because of my background and training in managing events and recruiting talent.
(Ben Behrens – SOMM 2007)


ANSWER:: I have always been a songwriter and have been in bands before, but I feel that since the SOMM my understanding of how to work together, how to focus, and even how to conduct a successful practice time has been used over and over. Part of "striving for excellence", which was a huge theme in the SOMM, was learning how to be diligent and organized when it came to practice time and getting things done. The ability to jam with different people from different backgrounds, cultures, and skill levels was a skill I have used in my daily interactions ever since. I was locked into a specific genre of music (metal) when I began the SOMM, but now I can honestly say that I can jam with anyone in any style. Music is a universal language and sometimes God can speak powerfully to a person through an impromptu jam on the side of the road rather than an intense theological debate. I've seen God use music in my life to build solid friendships with people, to speak to and encourage people, or to even restore brokenness. Without the skills taught to me by the amazing staff and weekly mentors of the SOMM, I would have missed out on many beautiful opportunities that God has given me. (Ian McHale – SOMM 2008)




QUESTION 3:: AND LASTLY, WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY DOING OR A PART OF?

ANSWER:: I just finished a 6-month internship in a recording studio in LA. The engineer who mentored me has been in the industry for over 30 years and produced several multi-platinum records, so he knows his stuff. I'm taking what I've learned from him and starting a small production studio in order to connect with beginning musicians, evangelize to them, mentor them, advice them in righteous and effective ways of doing music, and pretty much do what I believe Jesus would do if he were an audio engineer.
(Ben Behrens – SOMM 2007)


ANSWER:: Currently I work downtown at a youth drop-in centre called "Sanctuary Youth Centre". It is a Christian organization supported solely by local churches where the "youth at risk" of Victoria can come 5 days a week to hang out. We offer food, shelter, shower and laundry facilities, internet access, and games and specialized evening events like a music jam, art night, and a "Coffee house" where we play acoustic worship music. I was hired specifically to run the arts and music programs as a centre staff. Aside from engaging with youth through conversations and activities, I actively try to encourage them to use their many gifts in the arts to express themselves.
(Ian McHale – SOMM 2008)