As hard to believe as it seems now, it all began right here at Greenville College. In late 1993 four guys from Kinney Hall - Charlie Lowell, Dan Haseltine, Steve Mason, and Matt Bronleewe - formed Jars of Clay. Today three of the original members are still with the group (Matt Odmark replaced Matt Bronleewe in 1994.)

Winners in April 1994 of the Gospel Music Association's Spotlight talent competition as the "best unsigned band in the country," later that summer Jars of Clay packed up their notable music style and moved form the CCM program at Greenville to the marketing program at Essential Records/Brentwood Music in Nashville, TN. Their self-titled debut album surpassed 1 million in sales in September 1996.

In a recent interview with keyboard player and founding band member Charlie Lowell, fellow Nashville resident and GC alum Robyn Florian asked about the preparation and support Greenville offered them during and since their college years.

Robyn: What initial challenges did you encounter moving from Greenville to Nashville?

Charlie: Nashville was so different from Greenville. The interpersonal relationships between the four of us were challenged, now splitting rent, working, and the band stuff. I still look back on it and am amazed we're still friends. This is only through the grace of God. He protected us and blessed us with people who shared our vision and looked out for us.

Charlie went on to describe a trip Jars of Clay made to Greenville during their first summer in Nashville to use the studio at the college. Through communication breakdowns, directional differences, and the accumulation of stress, Charlie says the band almost broke up. He credits a fellow GC friend, Stephen Leiweke, for encouraging them towards improved communication with each other.

Robyn: What proved to be your greatest lifestyle changes in going from full-time students to full-time musicians?

Charlie: Finding consistency in each day. Stuff constantly changes on the road, and every day is a little different. Finding time to exercise and read on a schedule was difficult. Then recently we had some time off, and I had to look at what was important to me, [decide] what were going to be my priorities, and get myself on a schedule.

Robyn: How did Greenville College prepare you for both personal and professional success?

Charlie: Partly [through] a safe environment, just having come from high school and living at home. I also met many people I could relate to musically and enjoy a shared sense of humor. We were offered a lot of opportunities in the studio, especially free studio time, that weren't [available] at any other school.

We also appreciated the way we were encouraged spiritually. The first year at Greenville we came to take our faith more seriously, and the guys helped push each other.

Overall, we met our best friends there, and they'll be friends for life. There's a real bond. The environment and atmosphere - There was such freedom, acceptance, and encouragement for what we were doing.

The things [former music professor] Jack Ballard taught us about building songs, playing styles, and music theory we use all the time now when writing songs.

Robyn: Matt Bronleewe, an original member of the band and fellow GC student, chose to leave the group and continue his undergraduate degree elsewhere. Do you still have contact with him?

Charlie: Yes, he lives in Nashville now, and he and Dan [Haseltine] just co-produced an aggressive alternative album called Plumb.

Robyn: How do you feel about your upcoming Agape appearance?

Charlie: We're very excited! We had to cancel last year, and to go back now, when the band feels so tight, and not having played there in a while, it'll be a blast!