Success Stories
Jeremy Thiessen, B.A.
Drummer in the band Downhere, Nashville, TN
What my ministry position involves:
As a band, we live in Nashville, Tennessee. From there we travel all around the world full-time playing at various concerts, festivals, retreats, conferences, showcases, churches, and events. We play original music, lead worship, or do a combination of the two, and we also get to hang out with those in attendance before and after the concert.
How Briercrest prepared me for this ministry:
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would be living in Nashville playing in a rock band! During my time at Briercrest, I was given opportunities to discover, develop, and exercise the gifts the Lord has given me. I also had the opportunity to spend time digging into my relationship with Jesus Christ and seeking out what He had in store for me. What I discovered—and what I am currently doing—was totally unexpected, logically unsound, and pretty much crazy; and yet during my time with Downhere I have been able to share the Kingdom of God with far more people than I ever would have had I taken the path I had chosen for myself.
Why study at Briercrest?
For me, Briercrest was the best possible choice because there was such a wide variety of opportunities to participate in and discover my passion. The Worship Arts program and staff have played a major role in my life.
If music is what you're interested in studying and you want to spend some time digging into the Word too, I can't think of a better place to be than Briercrest. If you are simply looking for a safe place to learn more about the Lord, to discover who you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are, and to experience many different things in order to discover your passion, then Briercrest is a great place to be!
Bill Bradley, B.A. Music and Worship
Pastor of Worship Arts, Memorial Bible Church, Yakima, WA
What my ministry position involves:
My responsibilities include directing multiple bands/vocalists for Sunday morning services; being the technical director for audio and visual teams for the lyrics, text, and in-house video clips we create each week; directing the drama team (we have one live performance each month); and coordinating all of our "first touch" teams (ushers, greeters, coffee bar).
How Briercrest prepared me for this ministry:
I am so thankful that God led me to Briercrest. The teachers I learned under gave me most of the tools that I am using to recruit, train, and lead all of the teams here in worship arts. I can't imagine trying to do this ministry without the skills I developed at Briercrest.
Why should students study at Briercrest?
Because of the people! During my first year on staff at Memorial, one of my instructors from Briercrest answered a lot of late-night emails and gave me great "real world" counsel as I was learning the ropes in a new ministry.
Joel Dixon, B.A. Business Administration
Concert Booking Agent, Paquin Entertainment, Winnipeg, MB
How I use my degree from Briercrest today:
At Paquin Entertainment, I work with Christian and mainstream artists alike. We represent such Christian artists as Fresh I.E., Six Days, Greg Sczebel, Jon Buller, and the Harlem Gospel Choir. I also manage the rock band
The Attics and we have a roster of over 80 other artists. I have many roles at Paquin Entertainment that range from touring, managing, marketing, artist development, public relations, and more.
Benefits I’ve experienced from studying at Briercrest:
I leaned a lot at Briercrest, but it wasn't so much what I learned as how I learned. The professors at Briercrest made me think for myself and that helped to ground me in my faith—it has taken me a long way. I appreciate my time at Briercrest and feel that it has given me the tools I’ve needed to achieve my goals. I now work in the music business and love it! Briercrest was a crucial part of my life and an experience I would not trade for anything.
Niki Neufeld, A.A. Music
Receptionist/Piano Teacher, Maple Ridge, BC
How I use my degree from Briercrest today:
I graduated with an Associate of Arts in Music and am active in worship teams in my church, playing piano and singing, and as worship and arts intern last summer. I have also conducted choirs in two Christmas productions.
Benefits I’ve experienced from studying at Briercrest:
Briercrest offers lots of practical experience in choir and conducting, but the biggest benefit is being spiritually grounded and knowing what to build my life on.
How Briercrest prepared me in regards to the arts and music:
The music theory classes I took at Briercrest have helped in my own piano studies, as well as in teaching aural training to my own students. Conducting classes have helped me prepare for directing my own choirs.
