Worship Arts Rehearsal Studios Project

Worship Arts Rehearsal Studios Project honoring Jerry Franks

Jerry Franks Artist in Residence, Instrumental Music Instructor, Conn & Bach Trumpet Clinician Grace College 1966-1978 Jerry developed performers and educators with top professional abilities. His performance knowledge of all band instruments and a highly perfected curriculum were executed with care and precision. Jerry stimulated student improvement at an amazing rate. His “Learn by doing” combined with “hands on” maturing process, were best showcased in his Dimensions in Brass. This group, when reviewed by professional musicians, was rated as a fully developed professional ensemble. Jerry’s knowledge was balanced by his sense of humor during private lessons. He developed professional educators and performers who were highly successful. Jerry’s endless support also developed lifelong relationships. He rejected major personal professional opportunities, choosing to remain at Grace with his students. Jerry’s spiritual influence lives on and is exemplified in his life verse (Isaiah 40:31).

In the Fall of 2016, Grace College reimagined its music program and launched a bachelor’s degree in worship arts with the goal of training students to serve in the local church as worship leaders and pastors. Grace’s worship arts program equips students to think like theologians, labor like artists, and shepherd like pastors.

The worship arts program resides in the lower level of the William Male Center and currently does not have dedicated rehearsal space. Our students are required to study and rehearse voice, piano, guitar, or percussion, and building rehearsal studios for them will be crucial for the ongoing success of the program. The rehearsal facility will be in use year-round for our current students as well as high school students attending summer worship camps.

You know the value of the work that happens in the rehearsal studio for musicians.

Will you partner with us as we seek to add this crucial space for our students?

Jerry Franks Memorial Project Info

If you have any questions about giving online, please contact our Office of Advancement at (866) 448-3472

Gifts will be listed on a memorial plaque by the following categories based on donation levels of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000.