What do 48 years in the Division of Music look like? It looks like over 15,000 private lessons, 2000 trombone choir rehearsals, 500 Foundation Brass concerts, 90 weeks of music camps, and 23 sacred recordings. Indeed, Paul Jantz has such a lengthy tenure in the Division of Music that no one among our current faculty and staff can remember a time when he wasn’t here.
PJ, as he is affectionately known, has a remarkable record of faithfulness. After graduating from BJU in 1974 with a degree in music education, he returned as a teaching assistant while pursuing an MA in Sacred Music. In 1976, when BJU’s low brass professor resigned, Paul took his place on the appointed faculty and began teaching applied low brass, conducting the trombone choir and performing with the Foundation Brass. In 1980, Dr. Dwight Gustafson, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, tapped Paul to assist him in organizing various projects throughout the Division of Music. This role eventually developed into the Director of Musical Activities, and included such responsibilities as organizing Fall Festival, scheduling all of the rehearsals and all of the concerts and recitals for the Division of Music, and managing the large inventory of instruments owned by the division.
In 1984, Paul added the duties of Brass Program Head, organizing department recitals and scheduling exams. In this role, he initiated the development of an extensive Brass Program syllabus and instituted the junior technique exam. In 1985, he also began organizing and leading the Foundation Brass tours. Eventually, the Foundation Brass would develop a loyal following, crisscrossing the United States to represent BJU in 215 churches and 175 schools. In 1992, in what may become his most enduring institutional legacy, PJ assumed the directorship of the BJU’s music camps. The success of these camps became the model for today’s EduCamps. In the past 31 years, over 11,000 students have attended these camps. Hundreds of them eventually enrolled at the University, many majoring in music.
In addition to his formidable efforts on behalf of the Division of Music, Paul has also faithfully served the local church. He began this habit as a teenager in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. When his family moved to Greenville, he began playing his trombone at Southside Baptist Church under Dr. Frank Garlock, later he oversaw instrumental music at Heritage Bible Church, and now serves at Morningside Baptist. In 1982, he founded Jantz Music Publications to meet the need for quality sacred arrangements. These first publications were hand copied in PJ’s meticulous script. Now his catalog has hundreds of arrangements by some of Christendom’s finest arrangers, published using the latest notation software.
The body of Paul’s faithful work is a remarkable legacy. When speaking to his colleagues, it is clear that his impact has gone far beyond quality work. Paul coupled his extraordinary organizational capacity with a quiet, humble spirit. He does not lack strong opinions, but he chooses his words carefully and expresses his ideas thoughtfully, and humbly. David Orr, manager of the Welcome Center writes, “I was privileged to work with Paul for 26 years and I am so thankful for all I learned from the consistent, godly example he always set.” Brass colleague Dr. Bruce Cox comments, “PJ’s giftedness with details blessed us all on our recitals and tours. We were always well-organized and well-rehearsed under his leadership. His even temperament helped manage the variety of personalities in Foundation Brass, and his wide interests made him an enjoyable brother to interact with. I’ll miss him.” Dr. Michael Moore, chair of the Division of Music, adds, “I’m grateful for the gifts of his steady presence, wisdom, and artistry that he so faithfully shared with his students and colleagues here. I experienced this first-hand as a camper, as a student, and now as a co-laborer.” Dr. Darren Lawson remarks, “I’ve been privileged to know Paul Jantz for over 40 years here in the ministry of Bob Jones University. It’s hard to envision BJU without Paul’s quiet and competent work as a servant of Christ in the Division of Music.”
What’s next for the Division of Music? This past year we were pleased to welcome Daniel Leedy to our staff. Daniel received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from BJU in 2020. He recently completed his master’s degree in euphonium performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Daniel has spent the 22-23 school year training for the Director of Musical Activities role. He shared an office with Paul and was able to walk through each task with him. We have every expectation of a smooth transition.
What’s next for Paul? To celebrate his retirement, he and his wife Cindy have planned a three-week trip to the Greek Isles. He will continue to develop his music publishing business and will help Cindy with her soap-making business. He also plans to continue teaching in the Division of Music on an adjunct basis and will continue the leadership of the trombone choir. He notes with gratitude, “I will miss these halls. It has been my privilege to spend my life making wonderful music with wonderful people. God has also given me the opportunity to interact with scores of students on a regular basis and influence them for eternity.”
