Page 25 - Joshua's Journal

Since the second Sunday in July ‘Happy Birthday to you,’ it should 2010, Richard Odom’s spirit and bring to mind the fact that it is God effervescence has permeated who gives and sustains life.” throughout the sanctuary as he assists in helping to set the atmo- After becoming the director of the Youth and Young Adult Choir, one sphere for worship at the Glenn Dale campus of Reid Temple AME of Odom’s first challenges was to get them to trust him. When asked how Church. As the Associate Minister of Music, Odom directs the Youth he was able to do that he explains, “The Lord prepared me years ago, and Young Adult Choir (YYAC) and the Children for Christ allowing me to direct people who were much older than me. I learned (CFC). On first Sunday, he assists Evangelist Myrna Summers, Minis- early how to develop a “bag of tricks” (not evil ones, but merely tools) ter of Music, and the Mass Choir. necessary to display a benevolent dic- Born in Denmark, South Carolina tatorship and to develop an honest to the Late Joseph H. Odom Sr. confidence in what I do. My task is and Birdell Odom-Hughes, Rich- to inspire the people before me to ard Calvin Odom, the youngest of believe that I know more as a conduc- nine children, began strumming tor than they do about the task set the piano at the early age of two. before us and that I desire to impart Before he was born, his parents that knowledge to them if they thought they were finished having are interested. I study, prepare, and children, but God had another remain consistent in my delivery to plan to get this “powerful ruler” transfer knowledge to them in the into the earth—which is what the name Richard means. small window of time that I have. When people see you walk in confidence, they begin to trust you and believe When asked when he realized he had a passion for music that they can depend on your leadership during collab- he states, “Music is not just what I do, it is who I am. I orative efforts. Initially, using the Spirit (anointing) and was born for it. According to my family, I was about two skill, I immediately assessed the ensemble; even if they years old when I began to pick out melodies on the piano did not trust me at first, the fact that I produced consis- and organ. At the age of seven I began taking lessons. tent positive results won their trust.” At nine I began my first job in ministry as director of the Sunbeam Choir at Sweet Branch Baptist Church, Odom shared, “A conductor has a exigent responsibility. and by the time I was 12 years old, I had formed my first I’ve known since I was four that I wanted to become a group, The J. Anderson Singers. I also played both the conductor. Many people tried to convince or influence saxophone and xylophone in my school’s concert and me to become a professional opera singer, and while I marching bands.” enjoy singing, conducting is my first love.” Not taking the gifts or talents God gave him for granted, Most recently, Odom was honored to attend The Classi- Odom went on to excel academically, earning a Bache- cal Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, where he per- lor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance, a Master of formed at the Esterházy Palace. Albeit, one of his greatest Music in Conducting and a Master of Music in Voice. accomplishments was being invited to join the University When asked how music enhances the worship experience of the District of Columbia faculty in the Fall semester, he proudly proclaims, “It is probably erroneous to say 2011 to teach conducting and to conduct the UDC that music is a part of worship. In fact, music is worship. Chorale. He has also served as vocal instructor, music Music is fundamental to the lifestyle of the worshiper. theory teacher, and conducting instructor at the It is synonymous with praise, with preaching, and with Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Georgetown. praying. Music is also ecumenical. Of itself, it is neither sacred nor secular—it just is. Messages, motives, and “The invitation from UDC fulfills my life-long dream thoughts are either sacred or secular and even profane, of teaching in higher education. When I was contacted, but not music. Music was created to bring glory to God. I was ecstatic. I thank God for every opportunity with One should always consider everything he or she does which He has afforded me. It is an honor and a privilege in the area of music ministry as a means to worship God to instruct in any capacity, especially any musical capaci- and to somehow point back to Him. Even if one sings ty, and I do it as unto the Lord.” www.reidtemple.org • 23 www.reidtemple.org • 23