NW Valley Times

Students at Grand Canyon University have contributed to a notable album, the "Grand Collective EP," with 100 contributors from the school taking part. Released on Friday, the EP titled "To the Throne" is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Eric Johnson, GCU's Recording Studio Manager, emphasized the hands-on aspect of the project, saying, "The hands-on aspect of this is embodied in what The Grand Collective is, from the executive leadership team all the way down to the marketing and the publishing of it."

Over five years, the project has grown from students re-imagining hymns to producing original works. Joseph Vaught, GCU Recording Studio lab coordinator, stated, "I think every year it gets better because there’s something we can fixate on, like ‘All right, we did this really well, but how can we even take it to the next level?’"

The project is conducted under the supervision of the College of Theology’s Center for Worship Arts and operates as a zero-budget venture driven by student passion. Students engage in all steps of music creation, from songwriting to producing.

Johnson explained the work environment benefits, saying, "When they cross the threshold into the professional recording studio, they are learning, as artists, how to be in a recording studio, in a professional environment and work with other professionals."

Senior Cooper Mather aims to use his three years of experience on the project to secure employment in Nashville, appreciating the contribution of the worship arts program and project leaders like Johnson and Vaught.

Melody Henry, a junior at GCU, expressed her love for the program: "The whole reason I'm really at GCU is the worship arts (program). I just love coming up to the studio and songwriting, enjoying time with friends here."

Brooklynne Menezes, a sophomore performer on the EP, recounted, "Once I joined the worship arts community, I felt the Lord tell me this was the hard place where I needed to be."

Phillip Babcock, who transitioned from choir vocals to the leadership team this year, shared, "It’s been fun to be more involved in that, because I've been involved with my own music, but not much with others."

A variety of unique songs have been created, including "Beatitudes," "Give It All To You," "Thanksgiving," and others. Dr. Josh Luetkemeyer and other students from the College of Arts and Media contributed to the orchestral parts and album cover.

Reflecting on the involvement, Babcock noted, "I was kind of hoping we'd be able to hit 100 this year."