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ON COURSE: Andrea Meade

Andrea Meade runs British Gospel Arts (BGA), which promotes gospel music.

She talks to Soul Stirrings about the organisation’s achievements and its strategy to spread the joy of the musical genre.

Soul Stirrings (SS): What does British Gospel Arts do?

Andrea Meade (AM): BGA promotes and develops gospel music through education, employment, performance, research and publications. Our remit is international, but our product is British. The lead founding organisation is the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) and through their work with the British Council we got endorsement to use the word 'British' in our name.

SS: How did British Gospel Arts originate?

AM: In 1998, ACEA presented an opportunity to Juliet Fletcher and me to apply for Millennium Festival funding for a gospel event. We came up with British Gospel Arts Consortium, and G2K Festival as its first project.

SS: Your organisation runs a number of courses. How many and what type of people attend the courses, and what kind of feedback do you get?

AM: We do workshops in schools across the country from Darlington to Devon. The adult choir courses, started by LCGC and now under our management, run three times a year, from beginners to advanced levels. We have about 60 attendees each term, most are non-Christians, English and European. We also run workshops for churches, community and corporate organisations here and in Europe. For many, singing gospel is a life's dream. Some ask why the music moves them, others want a church for their regular gospel fix. Many make friendships, which continue long after the course, many gain new confidence. In schools, my favourite is seeing young people with learning difficulties vocalise and rock to gospel.

SS: As someone who has been involved in UK gospel for many years, what are your views on the present UK gospel scene? Are you pleased with the direction it is going?

AM: In UK gospel evolution, we have gained and lost some good things. Gone are inter-church choir programmes, now we have praise and worship groups in church and holy hip hop/ rap/RnB in clubs - different style, same message. So many churches now don't have choirs! Choirs and church bands were the nurturing ground for all things musical and educational. Thirty years ago, gospel music was firmly in the church, exposed only to people who came to church events. Now gospel music can be heard from prisons to palaces - this is a great thing.

SS: What in your view are the major challenges being faced by the UK gospel scene?

AM: As with all growth, mistakes will be made. Our salvation is about how we deal with and move on from mistakes. Gospel artistes must take more seriously their role as missionaries. Churches must take more ownership of gospel artistes, respect them as missionaries, give them the spiritual and financial support needed to achieve excellence in standards and integrity.

SS: How is British Gospel Arts helping UK gospel to meet these challenges?

AM: We will be consulting with UK gospel to design a professional development programme for all sectors. We use British gospel songs and artistes on our courses to give exposure to new markets. We lead by example, ensuring our business is run well; reviewing services, so it meets needs and offers new experiences to people. This is music for life, not just for a course.

SS: What exciting future projects does British Gospel Arts have planned?

AM: Swim Gospel brings gospel singing and swimming together at leisure centres. This pilot, in partnership with Everyday Swim Lewisham, is funded by Sing Up. Every Saturday afternoon from February 2 to March 29, Swim Gospel sessions will take place at Wavelengths Leisure Centre, Deptford, and Downham Health and Leisure Centre, Bromley. Under 19s are encouraged to bring their parents, carers, grandparents with them for this experience, which costs only £1 each session! Our aim is to encourage more families, particularly from African and Caribbean communities, to sing and swim together. The Swim Gospel Hotline is 020 8509 7333.

Visit www.britishgospelarts.com for more information

Published: 03 February 2008
Issue: 1306

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