Artisans of Excellence: Tabernacle, Temple & Talents

Rebecca Ellison

Bezalel and Aholiab may not be household names today, but they
were outstanding leaders as makers and artisans during the time of Moses. In fact, God called on them to design, decorate and furnish His own house on earth! Let’s explore what it means to offer up excellence in our creativity as a gift to God and how the arts are honoured by Him. We will also engage in a time of art making, using the
medium of kaolin clayboard etching (no experience or drawing skills necessary!).* minimum 4 participants and maximum 15.

Dance as Mission: Past, Present, and Future

Chantal Gandar

Karen Jansen Sudds

Ainsley Sudds

Deanna Witwer

This interactive panel discussion will explore the stories of four leaders who have integrated their Christian faith and the art of dance for over 35 years.  The theme will enable us to examine the diverse styles of dance and how they are enhancing spiritual formation in young dancers, challenging the professional dance community to engage in conversations about Christian spirituality, and speaking into today’s arts, education, and entertainment culture.  

Acting Masterclass – Monologues

Jason Hildebrand

This workshop will explore the craft of acting through monologue performance. Come take a short, but deep dive into various acting methodologies and practices through monologues prepared by you. Participants will bring a prepared (and memorized) one-minute monologue from a recent Canadian play.

Event Production & How to be Successful

Krystle Moilliet

In this workshop, Krystle will discuss the three main elements needed for any successful production and how best to utilize them.  If you’re planning or assisting in your church or community’s next artistic event, this is for you!  Come with questions as the session will end with a Q&A. 

Worship in Motion 

Chantal Gandar

In this session we will explore simple movements and how they can be transformed into worship through posturing our hearts towards God. We will also look at how movement can embody scripture and be a tool for expressing our prayers. All skill levels are welcome at this beginner's class.

Acting - Connection

Jason Hildebrand

One of the primary marks of a good actor is their ability to be connected to themselves, to their acting partner, audience, and from a faith-perspective, with God, in the midst of the work. This workshop will focus on cultivating the craft of connection.

Cultivated Arts Coffee House

Krystle Moilliet

Calling creatives of all artistic expression and of all skill level!  Come join us for a thoughtful and meaningful discussion about Art & Relationship.  During our time together we’re going to explore how creative work shapes us and our understanding of God.  We will also explore what it means to purposefully pursue our creative expression with relationship in mind.  Come ready to drink coffee, explore and discuss!

Photography and a Heart of Worship

Wayne Jeschke

Join us for a biblically based exploration of what it means to be a Christian photographer/artist using our God given talents to glorify Him, while being refined as worshipers. Over the course of our time together we will look at some of what scripture has to say on the subject while Wayne also draws on personal experiences and some of his own photographic examples to corroborate. It is hoped that you will come away knowing how God desires to use all of who He made you to be, whilst drawing you closer to Him, as you lean in to your creative side.

Authentic Story

Jason Hildebrand

Whether you are a worship leader, pastor, speaker, or creative – it is paramount that you partner with Holy Spirit to authentically speak your story into the room to impact those you serve. This workshop will focus on removing the barriers that impede communicating your unique story with clarity and power.

Spinging

Julie Pearson

Explore how your speaking voice can enhance your singing voice!  Learn techniques to improve registration, range, vocal tone and strength.

Drums: Grace Under Pressure

Calum Rees

Whether you’re imprisoned in perspex, chained to a click track, or hampered by 4 on the floor – come and learn how to play from your heart in whatever musical situation you find yourself to be.  Gripes and grudges a must…

Rocking with Rhythm Section

Joe Essenburg & Calum Rees

The foundation of a great rhythm section is the strong relationship between the bass and drums. Learn important techniques for making this foundation as strong as possible.

Keys: Maximizing Your Keyboard Sounds

Keith Molberg & Kris Biette

Do you wish you could make better use of your keyboard’s capabilities? Have you wanted to incorporate pads, synth or organ into a worship or improve your use of those sounds? The goal of this workshop is to help you make the most of the options available to you and to help you understand how non-piano sounds can contribute significantly to a worship context. This interactive session will involve demonstrations on a number of different keyboards.

Prophetic Worship 

Tehillah Worship Collective

Finding the balance of preparation and prophetic in worship ministry is often a challenge. We believe that worship ministry is strengthened and that God is glorified when we can incorporate both by coming prepared, yet still leaving room for Holy Spirit to lead prophetically.  

Harmony Intensive

Julie Pearson

Come give your ear a good workout as we sing through today's worship songs, identifying harmonies and arranging charts for backup vocalists.

Bass Part 1: Playing with Confidence

Joe Essenburg

Together let's raise our confidence and presence as the heart of the rhythm section! In this session, we’ll cover key aspects of your playing including the role of the bass, what to listen for, locking in your rhythm, focusing your tone, applying dynamics and setting up your instrument. All levels of experience welcome. Each session includes demos, input from other local musicians and a Q&A period to cover any element of the bass guitar, playing techniques, effects or working with a band that you’re curious about.

Guitar

Coming Soon

Check back for details on Guitar Classes

Worship Leading

Tehillah Worship Collective

Worship Leading is something we are called to do both on and off the stage. Come learn how to practically and spiritually lead your team to engage in lifestyle worship.

Protecting Creative Potential

Fred & Andrea Butson

We all need a safe place. It is a foundational part of our existence to feel a part of a tribe. Without our tribe, we will cease to thrive. It is from the security and safety of our tribe that we will see the highest levels of creativity and growth, as creativity requires vulnerability. However, we often fear the outcome of and sharing with others as we fear the uncertainty of how we will be judged or what others might think. This fear limits our creative potential. In this class we will discuss was to avoid the pitfalls that lead to isolation and stunted creativity and learn about healthy creative communities that create a safe place for others to grow and risk being vulnerable. 

Drums: Beyond the Boom-Chick

Calum Rees

We’ll take apart 3 well known current songs that are utilized within our church gatherings, discover how to learn a new song in 4 mins and increase our ability to retain information - All whilst making the band leader look good!

Bass Part 2: Unlocking Your Fretboard

Joe Essenburg

In this session, we'll focus on fretboard navigation, moving between chords, Nashville Numbers, fills and even some music theory. All levels of experience welcome. Each session includes demos, input from other local musicians and a Q&A period to cover any element of the bass guitar, playing techniques, effects or working with a band that you’re curious about.

Piano: Putting Harmony to Work

Keith Molberg

We will look at how knowledge of the relationship between chords and scales can unlock your piano playing. In this workshop we will explore the function of chords using the Number System as well as optimizing chord voicing with the goal of smooth chord transitions. As pianists we have a lot of power to influence the overall sound of the band, and this workshop will further empower you to fill your role with excellence.

Team Dynamics

Tehillah Worship Collective

 A lot goes into preparing for a worship service; scheduling a team, choosing setlists, sound check, rehearsals, etc. Come learn how to strengthen team unity and reach new levels excellence.

Creative Process and Collaborative Song Writing 

Fred & Andrea Butson

In any creative process, it is beneficial to learn effective methods from other people who have mastered their craft, as well as find the unique ways each person is gifted and able to contribute. We will share about how we as a couple have learned to collaborate, despite often approaching song writing and creativity from completely different perspectives and strengths. We’ll also share some of our favorite resources and tips from people we’ve collaborated with in our song writing process. 

Audio Introduced

Justin Wells

For those just starting their audio journey or audio techs looking to add a foundation of theory to their experience, join new Sharpen presenter Justin Wells in learning about signal flow, the parts of a sound system, and how to wire it all together. This class is interactive and may include a hands-on component. There are no prerequisites for this class.

Audio Fundamentals:

Microphones

Coming Soon

Microphone selection and placement are critical to achieving good sound. Learn about the various microphone types, what microphones are best used for the most common types of instruments, and where best to place them. Previous audio experience or training is required for this class.

Audio Fundamentals: Networking for Audio Systems 

Curtis Jacobs, FM Systems

Whether remote controlling a digital console, using personal monitor mixing or taking control of your amps and wireless receivers, being well versed in networking knowledge has become a necessity for audio techs of all levels. This session will walk through the start to finish setup of an audio control network and give you the confidence to use routers, Wi-Fi, and IP addresses with ease, and create robust connections. Previous audio experience or training is required for this class.

Audio Advanced: Mix Masterclass 

Curtis Jacobs, FM Systems

Follow along as FM Systems Mixer Curtis Jacobs creates a finished mix. See how EQ, Dynamics and Effects are used to establish various aspects of a pleasing mix such as separation, focus and unity. The class will be discussion-based and process-focused with no formal content delivery. More than 5 years volunteer audio experience or previous training is required for this class.

Cameras and Acquisition

Matrix Communications

Check back for details on these classes

Audio Introduced: Analog Mixers

Justin Wells

The mixer is the heart of the sound system. In this class focused on analog audio consoles you will learn the basics of gain structure, equalization, and aux mixes. Those wanting a broad knowledge base are encouraged to attend both the analog and digital mixer classes. Class may include a hands-on component. Attendance of class "Audio Introduced" is recommended.

Audio Fundamentals:

Ear Training

Coming Soon

Develop your ability to hear and identify the key features of a well-balanced and artistic audio mix. Learn about standard instrument frequency responses and how a full complement of instruments fit together. Open your ears to a heightened level of listening and gain a new appreciation for the art of mixing. Previous audio experience or training is required for this class.

Soundchecks & Live Mixing

Curtis Jacobs, FM Systems

A great audio experience for both the audience and band starts with a proper soundcheck. Featuring the band “Revolution Engine” this class will explore the key steps to running a soundcheck that sets you and the band up for success. All skill levels are welcome at this class, but some audio experience will be helpful.

Lighting

Coming Soon

Check back for details on these classes

Live Video Production Basics

Matrix Communications

Check back for details on these classes

Audio Introduced: Digital Mixers

Justin Wells

In this class focused on digital audio consoles you will learn how gain structure is different in digital audio, and how to use the sometime complex looking EQ and Dynamics in these mixers. Those wanting a broad knowledge base are encouraged to attend both the analog and digital mixer classes. May include a hands-on component. Attendance of class "Audio Introduced" is recommended.

Audio Fundamentals:

Mixing for the Band

Coming Soon

This class will explore the systems and tools that can improve a band’s experience and make us techs look like the rock stars!  Learn how to mix for stage wedges effectively, drum fills and In-Ear Monitors. Previous audio experience or training is required for this class.

Audio Circuits: Noise, Buzzes and Troubleshooting

Curtis Jacobs, FM Systems

Chasing down stray noise and buzzes in an audio system can be one of the most frustrating experiences for an audio technician. This session aims to take away the guesswork by focusing on the causes of problems and simple procedures you can use to become a master trouble-shooter! Topics will include proper system interconnection, balanced and unbalanced connections, grounding and interference. All skill levels are welcome at this class, but some audio experience will be helpful.

AV over IP, IPTV & Digital Signage

Matrix Communications

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Video Displays Present & Future

Vernon Mason

Check back for details on these classes

Worship Leader's Toolbox

David Klob

Join this collaborative exploration of practical resources for planning, preparing, and leading worship. Resources reviewed will include Planning Centre Online, adding stem tracks, and online music charts and tutorials.

Art on Mission:

Forum & Experience

Brandon Trotter, Revolution Engine, and More

Art, Superhero’s, and Nu Metal – what do these things have in common? They are all being used by God to draw people near to Him. Join Chaplin to the arts community in Calgary Brandon Trotter, the members of Edmonton band Revolution Engine, and others as they share their experience of bringing God’s love into unlikely places through their creative passion. This session will include a discussion forum and examples of what a pre-discipleship experience can look like in a bar and at the comic expo.

Developing a Creative Vision together with your Lead Pastor

Matt Boda & Jeff Watt

Ever been in that spot where you return from a conference, your mind possessed by a great new idea and you just can’t get it launched? Ever found yourself stuck in relationship with your lead pastor and just can’t seem to move ahead together? This workshop, taught by two guys who work together all the time, is their attempt to solve those problems. They’ll attempt to define how things can get done….together. And along the way, they’ll invite us to look at dismantling silos, pursuing new ideas and working within our strengths together. PS: You will find this workshop is designed for anyone who leads and serves in the church - volunteers, staff members or lead pastors. 

Protecting Creative Potential

Fred & Andrea Butson

We all need a safe place. It is a foundational part of our existence to feel a part of a tribe. Without our tribe, we will cease to thrive. It is from the security and safety of our tribe that we will see the highest levels of creativity and growth, as creativity requires vulnerability. However, we often fear the outcome of and sharing with others as we fear the uncertainty of how we will be judged or what others might think. This fear limits our creative potential. In this class we will discuss was to avoid the pitfalls that lead to isolation and stunted creativity and learn about healthy creative communities that create a safe place for others to grow and risk being vulnerable. 

Morph on the Horizon

Matt Boda

Warning: This workshop is highly likely to play with your head! Ever been frustrated by the seemingly unchanging nature of the worship gatherings at your church? Ever longed to shake it all up and morph it into something new? Is this even possible? Our time together will feature five different speakers asked to pour their best thinking and energies into presenting their vision for what our gatherings can become. Young and old, liturgical or free-flowing - come and experience a new way of participating in a workshop as we learn together.