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

6  |  MAESTROS of MINI STRY Under his watch, Matson also frontiered the growth of new programs throughout the Music Department. During his first year as Department Chair, he oversaw the new elementary and secondary certification inMusic Education, approved by the Ohio Board of Education. In 1976, he led the Department in its first National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation at the same time that Cedarville College was receiv- ing its first accreditation by the North Central Associa- tion of Colleges and Secondary Schools (NCA). In the late 1970s, the underwhelming performance area was bolstered with the hiring of specialist studio teachers in a variety of instrumental and vocal areas, some of which were also members of regional professional performing groups such as the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. By Matson’s astute shepherding, students attained a high level of perfor- mance skills by the time of graduation. As they went on to graduate school, took teaching jobs, or began work in churches, the reputation of musical excellence at Cedarville spread. During his service to the University, one of Matson’s significant contributions as Chair was his keen eye for quality faculty as he looked first for integrity and dili- gence in his hiring decisions. As often as he could, Matson interviewed the spouses along with the candi- date to gain an even deeper insight. His sharp discern- ment resulted in key Department hires. Having Anderson, Pagnard, and DiCuirci coming on board in the 1970s was timely and formative for the development of the choral and instrumental areas of the Depart- ment, as it freed Matson to focus on his role as Chair. These new faculty additions came at a critical time as Anderson took charge of all of the choirs while DiCuirci and Pagnard moved toward developing the Symphonic Band, University Orchestra, and Brass Choir. Matson’s emphasis on ministry and stewardship governed the most important part of the Department: the students. His administrative actions made it clear that student learning outcomes and growth were para- mount. Above all, Matson loved working with students. During his years as Chair, he observed a growing tension between the faculty position as ministry or as a profes- sional occupation. Although under the current Univer- sity administration in the twenty-first century, we have been able to reconcile the two seemingly polar opposites, in the 1960s and 1970s it was much more of an either/ or situation. Dr. Matson stood firm on the ministry side, leading the Department into a focus on stewardship and prayer, and on building Christ into students’ lives. He considered Christian development as important as musical development, if not more. Eventually this focus prevailed throughout the College. Above all, Matson loved working with students.