Cedarville Magazine 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 1-888-CEDARVILLE | magazine@cedarville.edu cedarville.edu/magazine It has been truly overwhelming to reflect upon God’s multiple blessings within the Department of Music and Worship over the past 58 years! As a student, I enjoyed the gracious encouragement of godly music faculty members, and it has been my privilege to serve long term on the faculty. I have witnessed tremendous growth in our degree programs and in the number of students and faculty colleagues. The expansion of musical ministry opportunities — ranging from chapel and church services, schools, camps, and civic events to campus concerts, professional conferences, and international mission tours — has distinguished Cedarville’s musical influence worldwide. A commitment to “oneness” has been evidenced throughout our department’s history as we have aspired “to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord” (2 Chron. 5:13). This objective continues to motivate each generation of our students to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), to study His amazing gift of music, to refine their musical talents, and, above all, to perform with a Soli Deo Gloria mindset. For seven decades, the department’s unchanging commitment to educate performers, teachers, worship leaders, theorists, musicologists, composers, and conductors has been characterized by high standards. This commitment has resulted in the remarkable achievements of our students, who have been driven by a desire to “approve all things that are excellent” (Phil. 1:10). Drawing from over 700 biblical references to music, the study of music at Cedarville is informed by foundational principles such as: “I will sing with the spirit and the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15b). “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with the lute and harp! Praise him with the timbrel and dance; Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise him with loud cymbals, Praise him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Ps. 150:3–6)! Among the greatest blessings of participating in the University’s very active musical life is that we can boldly sing and play what we believe for the proclamation of the Gospel and for the edification of believers. We also delight in examining the gamut of musical styles that are “true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report” (Phil. 4:8). The musical environment at Cedarville provides unique opportunities to combine emotion with our theology. In every musical endeavor, our ultimate purpose is to offer sacrifices of praise to our Creator. Soli Deo Gloria! Lyle Anderson ’70 serves as Senior Professor of Music and Director of Concert Chorale and Men’s Glee Club. He earned his PhD from Ohio State University. THE SOLI DEO GLORIA MINDSET 48 IN CLOSING
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