NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University's Songwriters Showcase was a night filled with electric performances and inspiration as students showcased their musical talents at the Quad. Among the performers was Kyleigh Almich, a senior who received special recognition for her dedication to the Worship Arts program over the last four years. Almich wowed the audience with her performance of “The Carpenter,” a fitting end to her time at GCU.

Freshman Nate Padilla, who performed his song “Made Me New,” expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the showcase, saying, “God has blessed me with so many opportunities, and this is an awesome one. I’m so grateful he blessed me with it. I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way.”

Dr. Randall Downs, Worship Arts program coordinator, commended the high quality of submissions for the showcase, noting, “Students are writing, and they do all this on top of their schoolwork and getting ready for their academics. They’ve been wonderful.”

The showcase served as a platform for students to not only display their musical talents but also to support one another in their creative endeavors. As freshman Jaylin Draper reflected, “At the end of the day, it’s still worship. You have to trust God will put which songs in the album, and ultimately he’ll be glorified through it.”

Sophomore Talley Miller highlighted the inclusive and supportive nature of the showcase, stating, “The songs are so much different than the others, so you already don’t feel competitive. Even with that, what is there to compete against? Everyone is so different you can’t compare better or worse.”

The event also showcased the collaborative spirit among students, with Linnea McCrady sharing her experience of working with a fellow freshman on a song, saying, “It’s just fun to be part of something that’s for the Lord and not for ourselves.”

Overall, the Songwriters Showcase not only celebrated the musical talents of GCU students but also emphasized the sense of community and support within the Worship Arts program. As freshman guitarist Zach Johnson aptly put it, “The Worship Arts program is like a family, a strong community. People are trying to help each other.”

The showcase was a testament to the passion and creativity of the students at GCU, who continue to use their gifts to create meaningful music for the glory of God.