Many of you have asked about the MIR Memory videos that were shown every night during the concerts. Well ask and you shall receive! Here are four of the videos, including the now infamous "John Mays Fights a Bear" story as colorfully retold by John himself. Enjoy!
WALTER GRANT, Volunteer & Friend
JOHN STYLL, GMA President & CEO
CAM FLORIA, Founder, Christian Artists Seminar & Estes Park Event
JOHN MAYS, A&R Centricity Music
August 14, 2008
August 8, 2008
Bob Bucy: Thoughts on My First MIR
Bob sent this wonderful summary of his week here... we are so grateful that people like Bob have been able to have experiences like this. It's what we're all about!
This is the last day of my first year at MIR. There is so much stuff that has happened and so much stuff bouncing around in my head that it is difficult to condense into a single message. As a little background, I am a 40-something church musician without a formal music education, and I came here with great encouragement from my wife but without a great deal of confidence. I did enter a music competition, but my performance on Monday kind of shook my confidence further.
But then a few things happened. The first is that people to me with words of encouragement, and that they liked the music that I had done and it had reached them in one way or another. Then I started putting the competition behind me and started focusing on the ministry of it. And sessions with Carmen D'Arcy, Vicky Beeching, and Travis Cottrell started opening my eyes to what I and the rest of our praise team, choir, and music staff could do back at my home church. Tom Jackson's sessions started showing me how we could better connect with our congregation in our music. And finally, feedback from fellow musicians and Scott Nauman helped me see personal ministry opportunities in my music.
All of these things have served to strengthen my confidence and show me that you don't have to be a "superstar" in order to use the musical talent that God has given to you in meaningful ministry. So I spent almost an hour on the phone today with our minister of music at my home church kind of "dumping" on him all of the stuff that I had experienced this week. The challenge now, for myself and for all of us, is to take this newfound knowledge and enthusiasm home with us so that we can hopefully get together next year inNashville and share some success stories.
Bob Bucy
Apex, NC
This is the last day of my first year at MIR. There is so much stuff that has happened and so much stuff bouncing around in my head that it is difficult to condense into a single message. As a little background, I am a 40-something church musician without a formal music education, and I came here with great encouragement from my wife but without a great deal of confidence. I did enter a music competition, but my performance on Monday kind of shook my confidence further.
But then a few things happened. The first is that people to me with words of encouragement, and that they liked the music that I had done and it had reached them in one way or another. Then I started putting the competition behind me and started focusing on the ministry of it. And sessions with Carmen D'Arcy, Vicky Beeching, and Travis Cottrell started opening my eyes to what I and the rest of our praise team, choir, and music staff could do back at my home church. Tom Jackson's sessions started showing me how we could better connect with our congregation in our music. And finally, feedback from fellow musicians and Scott Nauman helped me see personal ministry opportunities in my music.
All of these things have served to strengthen my confidence and show me that you don't have to be a "superstar" in order to use the musical talent that God has given to you in meaningful ministry. So I spent almost an hour on the phone today with our minister of music at my home church kind of "dumping" on him all of the stuff that I had experienced this week. The challenge now, for myself and for all of us, is to take this newfound knowledge and enthusiasm home with us so that we can hopefully get together next year inNashville and share some success stories.
Bob Bucy
Apex, NC
August 7, 2008
No Regrets
One of our registrants shared this story of their time here... thank you for sending!
So finally this year our church praise band went to MIR. Our first goal was to play and sing an original song the best we ever could to minister to whoever was listening (about 80 musicians from other bands and some judges) to draw them closer to God. And the competition was secondary, even though it was a little unnerving on the day of. It went so quickly, and when it was over, our leader had us leave the room with him for a minute. His words were, "No regrets. You guys played perfectly and it's just a matter of if they like our style now. I'm really happy, and I think we should just stop here and thank God for being so good to us." What a sweet time that followed. After the concert last night, the semi-finalists were announced, and...our name was not called. Our leader called me right away, and he sounded...great! He said our band was disappointed, not as much that we weren't chosen, as much as they wanted to play some more and share more new songs. I love it! The heart of worship is taking us over, and people like Rick Muchow and Jared Anderson and John Eldredge, Dan Keen and Brett Manning were so encouraging to stay tight with God and worship Him excellently. We each learned some things to take into our own private worship, as well. As our leader said, "How could I be discouraged when this has been the best week of my whole life?!" Meeting other musicians at Cafe Estes and hearing some great music at the CD critique, being exposed to a few who've broken into the industry, and for me, getting to tell Robbie Seay that God used "Hallelujah God is Near" to rescue my life; these were highlights I did not expect.
Beth Jayne
Basalt, CO
Juston & Eric with Dan Keen
Reader Pics
Kevin Miller sent in some cool pics - one from the Stellar Kart concert (impressive zoom!) and one of some tiny baby deer spotted on his way into town. Thank Kevin! Everyone, keep sending me your stuff! mir@gospelmusic.org
UPDATE: more cool pics from Kevin! He is ON it... ya'll better step up! He caught some more wildlife (this time an elk) plus one scary one from the mountain storm yesterday. Yikes!
August 6, 2008
Food for Thought
Something I forgot to mention earlier was how much I enjoyed Monday night's concert. Compassion International put together a songwriter night featuring Brandon Heath, Justin McRoberts, Robbie Seay, Alli Rogers, Bryan White, and Kendall Payne. It was such a cool change of pace from the loud excitement that the concerts usually bring! I was really impressed with Alli Rogers, who I'm ashamed to say I'd never really heard of before this. Her voice was so sweet and pure and her songs were thoughtful and lyrically challenging.
I was also really struck by some lyrics from one of Justin McRoberts' songs. I thought it was just so pertinant to everyone who is here for this week... well, for anyone, really! I might be quoting it a little bit off, but the phrase from the chorus went something like:
And are you blinded by your vision
Or deafened by the sound of your own voice
Wow, isn't that just a really convicting thought? That our visions and dreams for our lives may very well be blinding us to everything more that God has for us? More often than not, maybe we need to close our eyes and shut our mouths and stop trying to plan and just be.
A hard lesson for type-A people like me!
I was also really struck by some lyrics from one of Justin McRoberts' songs. I thought it was just so pertinant to everyone who is here for this week... well, for anyone, really! I might be quoting it a little bit off, but the phrase from the chorus went something like:
And are you blinded by your vision
Or deafened by the sound of your own voice
Wow, isn't that just a really convicting thought? That our visions and dreams for our lives may very well be blinding us to everything more that God has for us? More often than not, maybe we need to close our eyes and shut our mouths and stop trying to plan and just be.
A hard lesson for type-A people like me!
August 5, 2008
Bands and Brandon and Bears, Oh My!
Well, as always, I'm a little behind. There's so much to do and not enough time to write it all down. So I'm recapping my best experiences from Sunday night and Monday starting... now!
BANDS
Sunday night's main event was the worship concert with Jared Anderson and Israel & New Breed. And I want you to know, it was great. Jared was engaging and got the crowd energized. Which was a good thing, because Israel is so high-energy! He mellowed it out after a little bit with a really lovely and introspective set of songs, all flowing together to keep the worshipful mood afloat.
But what I REALLY want to brag about is the Nathan Arnold Band , who opened the night. The group was one of our HearItFirst winning bands and their prize, along with registrations and housing at MIR, was the chance to play two of their songs on the main stage. They did so good and I was so proud! Afterward I got to meet them and eat dinner with Ben & Tyler and just talk. I have to tell you all - we really do love to meet you and talk and get to know you and hear about what God is doing with you here. After months of back and forth over email and phone here you are and here we are together. And it is great, and it makes the long nights and the hard days worth it.
BANDS
Sunday night's main event was the worship concert with Jared Anderson and Israel & New Breed. And I want you to know, it was great. Jared was engaging and got the crowd energized. Which was a good thing, because Israel is so high-energy! He mellowed it out after a little bit with a really lovely and introspective set of songs, all flowing together to keep the worshipful mood afloat.
But what I REALLY want to brag about is the Nathan Arnold Band , who opened the night. The group was one of our HearItFirst winning bands and their prize, along with registrations and housing at MIR, was the chance to play two of their songs on the main stage. They did so good and I was so proud! Afterward I got to meet them and eat dinner with Ben & Tyler and just talk. I have to tell you all - we really do love to meet you and talk and get to know you and hear about what God is doing with you here. After months of back and forth over email and phone here you are and here we are together. And it is great, and it makes the long nights and the hard days worth it.
BRANDON
On Monday afternoon I had the privilege of going and sitting in Brandon Heath's teaching concert. If you're not familiar, the artist teaching concert is where an artist or group takes the stage and then performs a few songs while telling about their journey as an artist. Brandon was so incredibly candid and real about his struggles transitioning from a songwriter to an artist/songwriter. He talked about the different record and publishing deals he'd had, not just in vague terms but with helpful details. He gave advice, not pat answers that people might want to hear but earnest and honest thoughts about writing, creativity, working with A&R, what makes a great song, and more.
The sweetest moment was when someone asked who his song "I'm Not Who I Was" was about. And openly, and emotionally, he revealed the story behind that song. Because he asked everyone in the room not to, I won't say what he revealed. But the important thing was what he talked about as he brought the story to a close. In a choked voice, he talked about God using one of the darkest times of his life to glorify Himself through that song. It was a really special moment.
BEARS
Fast forward to this morning, and we've got possibly the best story of the week developing in the cabin of one John Mays, Academy Council member and long-time MIR teacher and friend. It's definitley better if he tells it, but in summary: a black bear invited him (or her?) self into his cabin by ripping off the window screen and surprising the unsuspecting Mrs. Mays as she was getting ready. SCA-RY! Thankfully said bear hopped right back out the window without harming anything or anyone, but what a way to start a morning! Kind of reminds you the wildlife around here isn't all cuddly little chipmunks and benign elk!
August 4, 2008
Good Morning Estes Park!
Good afternoon everyone! It has been so great meeting you all last night and this morning, and I hope everyone is getting all settled in. How's the altitude treating you? Just keep breathing and drinking lots of water!
Earlier in the week (before you all arrived) we took a little staff trip up to into Rocky Mountain National Park. I know you all are busy this week but you've got to make time for a trip out there. It's like standing on top of the world. The air is too thin for trees to grow, so the only plants that can somehow survive the wind and cold are moss and lichen and tiny flowers of brilliant purple and yellow and white. And of course, there's always the wildlife... we spotted the following:
A chipmunk, an elk, and a bird (any bird watchers want to tell me what kind?!)
So, in a nutshell, GO! This event is special for a lot of reasons but one of them is because of where we are. Take a hike, sit in the sunshine, and just enjoy what God made here, because it's pretty awesome.
Well, I'll be sharing my thoughts about last night's concert and more from today but first things first - lunchtime!
Amy J
August 3, 2008
Are You Ready?!
A year of waiting, months of planning, a week of set-up, and we're finally here! The 34th Music in the Rockies officially kicks off today and just like you, we are more than excited.
Now I know right now the rain is coming down but just grin and bear it... first of all, it only usually lasts less than an hour, and second of all, the temperature drop is a welcome relief. Plus, there isn't anything quite as lovely as the deep growl of the thunder tumbling around between the mountains.
Well I'll be your faithful blogger this week, bringing you all the latest and greatest from this, our final year here in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. Keep sending me your pictures and memories from MIR and check back often for more updates!
Here's to a great week!
Amy J
GMA Marketing Coordinator
July 29, 2008
Randy Remembers...
1999 and 2001 attendee Randy Whittern sent us a few fond memories and a photo from his times at MIR:
I first attended MIR in 1999 and competed in the Southern Gospel Vocal competition. I won the Grand Prize that year, and used the recording time I won at Gaither studios to put out my fourth CD. I then got to go back in 2001 and perform two songs at the Longhouse during one of the daytime sessions in front of my peers, and it was a great experience I'll always remember. In fact, I've just released my 5th CD and I'm using one of the pictures taken of my performance that day on my CD cover. The setting in the Rockies is tremendous, and the sessions are always packed with good information. And six nights of Christian music in a row...what a way to REALLY draw close to and hear from God. I'm sad this will be the last year 'in the Rockies'...I wanted to be sure to be apart of this one, too.
I first attended MIR in 1999 and competed in the Southern Gospel Vocal competition. I won the Grand Prize that year, and used the recording time I won at Gaither studios to put out my fourth CD. I then got to go back in 2001 and perform two songs at the Longhouse during one of the daytime sessions in front of my peers, and it was a great experience I'll always remember. In fact, I've just released my 5th CD and I'm using one of the pictures taken of my performance that day on my CD cover. The setting in the Rockies is tremendous, and the sessions are always packed with good information. And six nights of Christian music in a row...what a way to REALLY draw close to and hear from God. I'm sad this will be the last year 'in the Rockies'...I wanted to be sure to be apart of this one, too.
July 25, 2008
MIR Memories from Sue Smith
Recently Sue Smith put some of her favorite MIR memories up on her blog, and I thought I'd share some of them here with you all. As many of you know, Sue is an accomplished songwriter, longtime teacher at MIR, and head of the Write About Jesus workshops. Here are a few snippets from her blog:
GMA announced last week that this will be the last year for Music in the Rockies. I’m sad about that. I’ve gone to Estes Park for nearly 20 years. I’ve sort of lost track of exactly how many.
I’ve stayed up in the beauty of Windcliff, and I’ve stayed in a dorm-like place we laughingly called Green Acres. I’ve stayed with friends and with relative strangers.
Of course one of my memories of Estes will always be all the times I have had to take Dave Clark to the Estes Park Hospital emergency room. Seriously, the man is a walking disaster. He should not be allowed to travel alone.
Some of the best concert moments I remember involved Janet Paschal, Larnelle Harris, and Cindy Morgan. I was sitting next to Joel one night when Cindy sang. After she finished, he sighed and said, “I’m done” because she was so perfectly wonderful.
I’ve had the privilege of hearing quite a few of my songs sung at Estes, and I will always treasure those moments.
GMA announced last week that this will be the last year for Music in the Rockies. I’m sad about that. I’ve gone to Estes Park for nearly 20 years. I’ve sort of lost track of exactly how many.
I’ve stayed up in the beauty of Windcliff, and I’ve stayed in a dorm-like place we laughingly called Green Acres. I’ve stayed with friends and with relative strangers.
Of course one of my memories of Estes will always be all the times I have had to take Dave Clark to the Estes Park Hospital emergency room. Seriously, the man is a walking disaster. He should not be allowed to travel alone.
Some of the best concert moments I remember involved Janet Paschal, Larnelle Harris, and Cindy Morgan. I was sitting next to Joel one night when Cindy sang. After she finished, he sighed and said, “I’m done” because she was so perfectly wonderful.
I’ve had the privilege of hearing quite a few of my songs sung at Estes, and I will always treasure those moments.
July 2, 2008
Travis Cottrell Q&A
We recently chatted with Travis Cottrell, recording artist and worship leader, about his experience being at MIR. As you might know, he'll be back again this year to lead worship and classes. But you might not know that Travis is especially invested in YOU and your experience at MIR - he's a part of our Academy Council, which works to envision and plan MIR and more. Read on for more:
GMA: What do you look forward to experiencing at Music in the Rockies?
TC: It is constantly on my radar to find out what I can be doing to EQUIP other people in their ministries, both musically and spiritually – to help them walk strongly in their calling. So, I am looking forward to meeting new worship leaders others called to music ministry; to learn about their ministries….their struggles….their needs and how we can encourage these awesome servants, not just at Music in the Rockies, but also throughout the year.
GMA: What would you say to current worship leaders about events like this one?
TC: Everybody needs safe community. Music in the Rockies is a great place to open up and learn. To grow. To be prayed for. To be encouraged. And, to learn in very practical ways how to communicate about Jesus within your spheres of influences. Hey, all you worship leaders out there! Come join us...and grow!
GMA: How do you define worship as a lifestyle?
TC: My definition of worship is based on Romans 12:1-2 - "I urge you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as LIVING SACRIFICES, holy and acceptable to God. This is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."
Living sacrifices. Die to yourself. Live for Jesus. That's worship.
GMA: What was your inspiration for accepting the invitation to lead at Music in the Rockies?
TC: Any chance I have to serve His servants, I will do it. It's a biblical mindset I want to embrace - that every 'Paul' needs a 'Timothy,' and every 'Timothy' needs a 'Paul.' Music in the Rockies is a great opportunity to do just that because it designed to sow in to the ministries of whoever will come. That is an awesome thing.
GMA: What is your prayer for all who attend Music in the Rockies?
TC: My prayer is that anyone who is there will receive fresh encouragement and direction from the Lord in their calling. Good advice is great. Encouraging community is awesome. Wisdom and knowledge from people who have gone before you is always good. But nothing compares to the divine revelation that the Holy Spirit gives to whoever asks for it. I pray that above all, all of us at MIR this year will receive - just like the Word says - a "spirit of wisdom and revelation, and a knowledge of Him." I pray that we will take time to be still and hear the voice of God. That is where the greatest power to walk in our calling comes from.
TC: It is constantly on my radar to find out what I can be doing to EQUIP other people in their ministries, both musically and spiritually – to help them walk strongly in their calling. So, I am looking forward to meeting new worship leaders others called to music ministry; to learn about their ministries….their struggles….their needs and how we can encourage these awesome servants, not just at Music in the Rockies, but also throughout the year.
GMA: What would you say to current worship leaders about events like this one?
TC: Everybody needs safe community. Music in the Rockies is a great place to open up and learn. To grow. To be prayed for. To be encouraged. And, to learn in very practical ways how to communicate about Jesus within your spheres of influences. Hey, all you worship leaders out there! Come join us...and grow!
GMA: How do you define worship as a lifestyle?
TC: My definition of worship is based on Romans 12:1-2 - "I urge you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as LIVING SACRIFICES, holy and acceptable to God. This is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."
Living sacrifices. Die to yourself. Live for Jesus. That's worship.
GMA: What was your inspiration for accepting the invitation to lead at Music in the Rockies?
TC: Any chance I have to serve His servants, I will do it. It's a biblical mindset I want to embrace - that every 'Paul' needs a 'Timothy,' and every 'Timothy' needs a 'Paul.' Music in the Rockies is a great opportunity to do just that because it designed to sow in to the ministries of whoever will come. That is an awesome thing.
GMA: What is your prayer for all who attend Music in the Rockies?
TC: My prayer is that anyone who is there will receive fresh encouragement and direction from the Lord in their calling. Good advice is great. Encouraging community is awesome. Wisdom and knowledge from people who have gone before you is always good. But nothing compares to the divine revelation that the Holy Spirit gives to whoever asks for it. I pray that above all, all of us at MIR this year will receive - just like the Word says - a "spirit of wisdom and revelation, and a knowledge of Him." I pray that we will take time to be still and hear the voice of God. That is where the greatest power to walk in our calling comes from.
For more from Travis, visit his website at www.traviscottrell.com!
June 30, 2008
JulieAnn Gets Goofy with Sandi Patty
JulieAnn (MIR 2007 and coming again this year!) sent in the following:
I have not been able to stop talking about my first Music in the Rockies event. My son says he's so tired of hearing me talk about it to everyone! I stayed on cloud nine all week that week last year - meeting and talking with top music artists and industry folks in Christian music- some of which were staying right in our building with us...that was great! The classes are phenomenal, and the atmosphere is not only beautiful to the eyes, but just as beautiful to the heart. There's nothing like being around so many people with the same love and heart for God's songs. The main word I would use to describe it is, "WOW." I walked away with a full heart and spirit- renewed in a fabulous way, that I HAD to tell people about!
These two pictures are when I was meeting David Phelps and Sandi Patty after their concerts. As far as I'm concerned, they are the best of the best in their range of vocal ability- the best man and the best woman - and I was able to get right between them for a picture! I was in awe. I couldn't help myself, being the nut that I am, to put up "rabbit ears" behind them. The men in the background were saying, "I can't believe she's doing that!" My brother in law laughed so hard, he could barely take the picture. Sandi realized something was up, and when she found out what I was doing, she insisted on having another picture showing everyone she too, could be a character.
Boy, did I have a blast. It was like they were your old friends. They are real people, just like us. What a joy to find that out! I cannot WAIT to get back out there and fill-up again, on what God wants to do in me this year, through GMA!
These two pictures are when I was meeting David Phelps and Sandi Patty after their concerts. As far as I'm concerned, they are the best of the best in their range of vocal ability- the best man and the best woman - and I was able to get right between them for a picture! I was in awe. I couldn't help myself, being the nut that I am, to put up "rabbit ears" behind them. The men in the background were saying, "I can't believe she's doing that!" My brother in law laughed so hard, he could barely take the picture. Sandi realized something was up, and when she found out what I was doing, she insisted on having another picture showing everyone she too, could be a character.
Boy, did I have a blast. It was like they were your old friends. They are real people, just like us. What a joy to find that out! I cannot WAIT to get back out there and fill-up again, on what God wants to do in me this year, through GMA!
June 23, 2008
We want YOUR stories from MIR!
If you've ever been to Music in the Rockies, or if you're going this year, we want to hear from YOU!
We want your photos, your stories, even your videos - anything that shares your memories from your very own MIR experience. Send your submissions (or links to Flickr, YouTube, etc.) along with your name, email address, and what year(s) you attended to mir@gospelmusic.org. We'll sort through everything and continuously post stuff here to share with everyone. We'll also be filling this blog with interviews, videos, pictures, and our own staff stories from Music in the Rockies.
Your stories could be funny, serious, emotional, exciting. Maybe it's about the flat tire you got on your drive up the mountain, or the time you swear you saw a bear outside your cabin, or a testimony about what God taught you during your time there. We want pictures and videos that will give the world a little glimpse of what this event is all about! If there's one thing we know, it is that no one can quite describe MIR as well as those who've been there.
Share with us and we'll share it with the world... can't wait to hear from you!
Amy J
P.S. To get you started, here's one of my favorite photos from MIR 2007 - our friend and long-time volunteer Walter, popping up wherever we need him!
We want your photos, your stories, even your videos - anything that shares your memories from your very own MIR experience. Send your submissions (or links to Flickr, YouTube, etc.) along with your name, email address, and what year(s) you attended to mir@gospelmusic.org. We'll sort through everything and continuously post stuff here to share with everyone. We'll also be filling this blog with interviews, videos, pictures, and our own staff stories from Music in the Rockies.
Your stories could be funny, serious, emotional, exciting. Maybe it's about the flat tire you got on your drive up the mountain, or the time you swear you saw a bear outside your cabin, or a testimony about what God taught you during your time there. We want pictures and videos that will give the world a little glimpse of what this event is all about! If there's one thing we know, it is that no one can quite describe MIR as well as those who've been there.
Share with us and we'll share it with the world... can't wait to hear from you!
Amy J
P.S. To get you started, here's one of my favorite photos from MIR 2007 - our friend and long-time volunteer Walter, popping up wherever we need him!
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