Ravenscrofts Provide Scholarships at Claremont School of Theology
Gift Will Create Full-Tuition Scholarships for as Many as Six Ravenscroft Scholars Each Year
CLAREMONT, CA- Renowned jazz pianist Bob Ravenscroft, his wife, Gretchen Ravenscroft, and Philip A. Amerson, president of Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California, announced the creation of the Ravenscroft Scholars program beginning in school year 2004-2005. Through the program, Mr. and Mrs. Ravenscroft will provide as many as six full-tuition scholarships with an additional stipend to qualified Claremont School of Theology students interested in examining how music, liturgy and the arts can enrich ‘serving the Word’ through ministry. In his capacity as permanent Artist in Residence at Claremont School of Theology, Mr. Ravenscroft will work with students to help perfect their creative endeavors and incorporate that art into the practice of ministry.
“Claremont School of Theology is an institution that values creativity and the arts,” said Mr. Ravenscroft. “I wanted to support the study of music, the arts and worship in a theological setting where the power and beauty of God’s gifts would be honored. The creation of this program is a way to enrich worship and the artistic life on campus as well as support students in their important call to ministry.”
“Bob is a visionary in the forefront of melding worship and the arts,” said President Amerson. “I am very pleased Claremont is able to support his vision for synthesizing artistic and spiritual endeavors on campus. We are very grateful to Bob and Gretchen for their generosity in supporting our School and the students who wish to expand their understandings of the way all of the arts might expand worship in the future.”
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In addition to their studies, Ravenscroft Scholars will be active participants and leaders in the artistic life on the Claremont School of Theology campus. Ravenscroft Scholars will serve as ambassadors to Claremont’s external constituencies by offering their talent and artistic accomplishment to the broader community in the form of performances or events.
Bob Ravenscroft is an accomplished jazz musician, recording artist, performer and teacher. Over the years, Mr. Ravenscroft has worked with countless fine musicians, both in his own ensembles and with others. His Jazzbird Studio played a pivotal role in the Phoenix music community for almost two decades, offering jazz instruction, audio production, and numerous concert series. An able and avid teacher, he has served on several jazz studies faculties over the years and has helped to shape scores of up-and-coming performers.
The Claremont School of Theology is an ecumenical graduate theological school of The United Methodist Church. With a global purview and a catholic spirit, we passionately pursue intellectual rigor, vocational discernment and responsible social engagement. Nurtured by the Christian tradition, we prepare effective leaders for service to God, the church, the academy, and the world. Located at 1325 North College Avenue in the beautiful village of Claremont, California, the School trains a diverse student body for worldwide leadership in church, community and theological education. For more information, please visit the School’s web site at www.cst.edu.
