Lance Gaskill is the founder of Rwanda Rising and the Injyana ensemble which includes the ‘Injyana Orchestra Rwanda’, the ‘Injyana Jazz Big Band’,‘Injyana Community Band’. He came with his family to Rwanda as missionaries from U.S.A but their ministry journey has been far from their expectations as they continue to serve God through music. He had a chat with Sunday Time’s Sharon Kantengwa on his musical journey in Rwanda. How has the journey been so far? Lance Gaskill. At the time we came, we knew God was calling us to Africa. We didn’t know why but somehow a series of events ended up introducing us to Rwanda. God has since opened doors and we see ourselves performing in different places such as embassies and concerts and have a place at Green Hills which has exceeded our initial expectation. We are also happy that Rwanda embraces new things and provides opportunities for young people to learn music because it is healthy for them and gives them opportunities for universities which is a sought after thing around the world. Music is communication. How do you communicate to the audience while performing? In each of our concerts we perform at different places, an opportunity for exposure and introducing opportunities for learning how to read music and learn the instrument. We also present the gospel in those concerts and we are teaming up with Neptunez Band, New Life Bible church, and the American embassy in fulfilling our mission. Are there performances or moments that stand out in your memory of their significance as a music conductor? One of my favourite memories was our last concert in March where we performed at venue whose roofing was in bad shape. We got to the concert in a rainy season and as the orchestra was playing a hymn, ‘This is my father’s world,’ the storm came in at the very end of the show and it was like God saying ‘yes, this is my world watch what I can do’ and with the packed out audience clapping and screaming, it was so amazing. Another memory is performing with visiting professional pianist Martin Helmchen from Berlin. How do you maintain a good relationship with the students and band? Relationship is very important in music because as an ensemble we have to be aware of each other. I always teach in a visionary way to where we want this band to be by casting that vision to everyone and inspiring them to have higher expectations. I have realised that people want to be a part of something that is good and they will achieve higher expectations than they think they can when they are pushed to it. Now, that’s part of the relationship because we can achieve even better when we work together. What do you find the most challenging part in your ministry? The multicultural aspect in our ministry is exciting but also challenging. As an American, I am conscious of time but not everybody thinks that way and that’s why I have to work with that. Also although we have many instruments, we need more instruments and teachers because we keep getting more people interested in learning. What is the most fulfilling aspect of your life as a conductor? When you perform music you are very alive and very aware of what is happening. It is fulfilling to see young people learn these skills, work together, and perform something that is much bigger than what they expect. If they play it themselves, they might be good or mess up but when you play everyone they are upholding each other and that’s very fulfilling and you are introducing something bringing vibrancy and life.
