The University of Mobile (UMobile) has named its school of music The Roger Breland School of Music in honor of one of the early leaders in contemporary Christian music and a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Breland was surprised with the announcement March 2 during choir practice.
Breland joined UMobile’s school of music in 2002 as artist-in-residence, becoming executive dean in 2003 and later vice president.
Under Breland’s influence, the university’s music program embraced both classical and contemporary Christian training, added academic majors, created 22 performing ensembles to provide students with hands-on experience, presented concerts worldwide and established the Christmas Spectacular concert attended by more than 8,000 annually. During his tenure, UMobile founded 8Eighty Records recording label, built a professional recording studio on campus and created the School of Worship Leadership.
“Dr. Breland’s emphasis on excellence is at the heart of the music program he envisioned and was instrumental in building at the University of Mobile,” said UMobile President Mark Foley, who originally tapped Breland to lead the program.
While at UMobile, Breland was instrumental in launching the careers of Christian musicians such as Steve Green, Alicia, Avalon and Russ Lee. Breland and TRUTH, the contemporary Christian group he founded, were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Most recently Breland is credited with launching the music careers of Veritas, a male vocal group that started as a UMobile ensemble.
Prior to starting TRUTH, Breland served as minister of music and youth at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Mobile.
(UMobile)
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