Garrison brings worship team class up a notch, provides professionalism

Worship team leader, Daniel Garrison, has been leading the FC class since 2014. Every Thursday, worship team plays an arrangement of worship songs in the bi-weekly high school chapel. The students perform, utilizing their knowledge of musical instruments like drums, guitar, keyboard, bass and vocals. Garrison has decided to take their talents one step further, by stepping into the recording studio.

Garrison’s musical journey started when he was just in 8th grade when he saw a friend playing bass guitar. The skills his friend showed encouraged him to want to play the bass. He picked up his father’s acoustic guitar and has been playing since 2000. He plays a variety of other instruments including bass, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, and drums.

He shares the joy he finds in not only playing his own music, but playing it alongside the students at Fresno Christian. He feels God has touched him the most through his talent for playing music.

“I feel closest to God when playing music. And it also fires me up, and gives me energy when I see students having the ‘Aha’ moment- when they experience God and their faith becomes their own,” Garrison said. “The challenging part about teaching is breaking down something that comes naturally and taking someone through that same process.”

The worship has recently began work in a recording studio, which was a concept that Garrison brought to life. His motive behind it is to provide some real world experience to the young musicians.

My goals for the future of this particular class would be to train up the next generation of worship leaders who take a creative approach to encountering God. And who continually learn new ways of taking others along that journey into His presence together. — Daniel Garrison

“I want students to learn more about applicable face as well as get a feel of what the music industry looks like,” Garrison said. “And what music could look like in the church.”

The album will consist of 4 songs, each song led my a different singer in worship team.

Junior Julie Donis plays the bass guitar and sings on the worship team. She appreciates being in a recording studio, and hearing what their effort is being used for.

“I don’t think everyone has been in a recording studio so it’s definitely a new experience for all of us,” Donis said. “The album is coming together really well, everything sounds amazing when you take it apart and make little edits to it.”

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Donis enjoys Garrison’s genuine concern for her and her other classmates lives, whether it be spiritually, or academically.

“G [Garrison] is really funny. He’s very open. You can ask him questions or tell him stuff. He helps a lot with life, God, and with all my classes.”

Freshman Reese Brown is working behind the scenes for the recording. He knows the experience he’s receiving now will prove to be beneficial.

“For the album Bailey Brogan and I are being taught by Henry Grimius,” Brown said. “I am learning how to mix in for the quality of a disc that would be sold. I like it because it’s expanding my knowledge on how to use a soundboard. It’s really hard to learn, but it’s fun.”

Garrison outlines his overarching goals for the purpose of the class and hope that he can encourage young musicians, and fellow followers of Christ.

“My goals for the future of this particular class would be to train up the next generation of worship leaders who take a creative approach to encountering God,” Garrison said. “And who continually learn new ways of taking others along that journey into His presence together.”

This writer can be reached via Twitter @nhudecek16 or via email at Nicole Hudecek.

For more features, read FC Alumni traverses Pacific Crest Trail, seeks Christ.