Testimony

I believe I am in the center of God's will, where "my deep gladness and the world's deep need meet." (Frederich Buechener). College is really where "the action is" in terms of investing in bright young people's lives and preparing them to become leaders in the world. In my case this involves preparing them to teach and perform music and to lead others into worship. I care enough for my students to demand their very best in academics and musical study. I also see the need to invest in their spiritual lives, as they grow in their walk with God. This is the delight of teaching in a Christian college. I did not grow up in such an atmosphere, nor did I receive the kind of care, prayer and encouragement that my students do, so I count it an extra blessing to be part of this community of faith and learning. I also grow in my Christian walk. My testimony is that God is working in and through me right here, right now at Crown, using me to make a difference in my world for Christ.

Favorite Verse?

John 15:16- "You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last."

Affiliations

Music Educators National Conference Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada

Chair, Department of Music
Professor of Music

Courses: Music Theory; Music History; Biblical Perspectives of Worship; Crown Brass

Education: B.S. in Music Education, St. Cloud State University; M.M. in Trumpet Performance, Northwestern University; Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

There are 3 streams in Dr. Rivard’s music program: the Bachelor of Arts in Music, for those who want to perform or teach music privately, the Bachelor of Music Education for those who want licensure for teaching in public schools, and the Bachelor of Music in Worship Arts for those who desire to minister in music and worship in local churches. We have a faculty of Christian musicians who have experience in performing music, teaching music and ministering in local churches. We value our community in music, in which a student is challenged to be the best he or she can be without having to battle other students for position. His program has one of the first Worship Arts programs in the area and his music graduates have been hired in local churches.

Former students characterize Dr. Rivard’s teaching as passionate about his subject and caring for his students. He integrates faith with the discipline of music, drawing parallels at times between the musical principles and the truths of the Christian life. His vision of academic excellence is demonstrated when students learn how to learn, and refine their abilities to express thoughts with acuity and articulation. Excellence manifests when students enter a lifestyle of learning and sharpening of their minds, challenging themselves to be the very best in their disciplines and to enrich the wider academic community.

Before joining the music faculty at Crown, Dr. Rivard taught high school band in Minnesota and Saskatchewan, Canada for 8 years; For 20 years, he was the Professor of Music at Canadian Bible College, and chair of the music department (Now Ambrose University College, Calgary Alberta). Dr. Rivard also held the Assistant Principal Trumpet position in the Regina Symphony Orchestra (Saskatchewan, Canada) for 20 years. Dr. Rivard is a licensed worker for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, a member of the Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada, and a member of the Minnesota Music Education Association. He is also a spiritual director at Restoration Ministries in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Published works:

“Rediscovering the Music of A.B. Simpson” in The Birth of a Vision, Buena Books, 1986

“Voices in Worship: Hymns of the Christian Life”, Christian Publications Inc., 2003

Executive Director of Revision Project (9 hymn entries under Dr. Rivard’s name)

Life verse:

John 15:1-17