Maestros of Ministry: Their Legacy in the Department of Music and Worship

24  |  MAESTROS of MINI STRY in 1997, after the move to Dixon Ministry Center, the rise of the contemporary praise band. In such positions of prominence, DiCuirci ministered the Christ he loved and worshipped to many students, faculty, and staff. Outside of Chapel, DiCuirci initiated the Pops Concert Series in 1986, the Jazz Band in 1989 with Pagnard (originally known as the Lab Band because jazz was forbidden at the time), and a recruiting opportunity that is still going on, Music Showcase. Showcase is an annual three-day event that brings the best high school student performers to campus to rehearse and practice with Cedarville faculty and with other talented peers across the country. DiCuirci’s ministry to students can be found in the most practical, down-to-earth events and moments. He saw an opportunity when the Department faced challenges in moving its equipment from the Fine Arts Building to Alford and Apple for Chapel and special concerts. A maintenance request had to be submitted for each moving haul, so DiCuirci decided to train the music majors to come on board and learn how to move and care for the Department’s equipment. This was the birth of the first Equipment Crew, a student team that has continued to today. This paid position “prepares students for life,” in DiCuirci’s own words. In his philosophy regarding the Band, DiCuirci reveals another secret, “I’m just a real, genuine person,” demanding but fair. Throughout the years, he consis- tently made a point to make himself available to students, taking great interest in their affairs. He deliber- ately did not choose favorites or do anything to “create drama” among the ensemble. His overarching principle was “cooperation, not compe- tition.” He learned early that while competition might work at a large, secular school, it simply would not work at an institution like Cedarville. He found a way to be inclusive of all levels, inspiring students to work hard and work together. He did assign seniors and music majors to roles of leadership because they needed that for their learning, but it was never the result of a competition. As for those not in leadership positions, DiCuirci made it clear that there were no bench-warmers in the ensem- ble. “Everyone who makes a sound contributes to the product.” Everyone is important, from the first to the fifteenth chair. DiCuirci challenged the Band with sound literature and kept good rehearsals. He always started rehearsal on time and with prayer. Under “Mr. D.’s” baton, the students took ownership of the band. DiCuirci’s ministry to students can be found in the most practical, down-to-earth events and moments.