Never underestimate the power of a determined godly woman.
“Girl Power” has had a lot of meanings over the years in culture, from cartoons to political campaigns to punk rock and ironically for other causes. I was raised primarily by a divorced working woman and I have attested to the power of strong women leaders and amazing artists for my whole life. Women have a unique ability to discern what to do next, encourage people through a different perspective, and yes, use rock guitar to shock people into taking notice of a deep message.
In 2005, a group of young women entered Visible Music College who would change the course for so many. Three young ladies from Arkansas joined the program as an existing band, tearing up the model for Christian music through their heavy punk-inflected rock and strong Jesus message. Three other female vocalists joined forces and started writing songs which would propel them all to careers of music and ministry. Returning female students led worship and plowed ground in that male-dominated field.
Our worship leadership division was led by women. Pretty radical.
At this time in our development as a college, which was just as we were becoming accredited by TRACS, we struggled weekly to place female graduates in jobs around churches who were nervous about the congregational support. We led in this area passionately, always recognizing women in leadership and artistry. To this day, I still perform an original song called “There is Softness” which is dedicated to artist/students of this time in Visible history. Every chance we get, we work to place women of high character and skill in places of leadership and recognition. As the punk rock girls were encountering jealousy, our staff resolutely pointed to their work ethic and determination. They went on to a career of note in CCM rock world.
A lot of guys sacrificed a ton of effort building the school in this era, but 2005 is distinctive for the girl power - many of whom became amazing wives and moms on top of the immense talent and drive!
One of the all-girl artist of 2005-2006: Emily Olson (Roberts), Kelly Ann Miller (Hunter), and Brittney Goodrich (Mansur)
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