WATERLOO - The inspiration for contemporary Christian band Greenhill's name change can be summed up in a few Ace of Base lyrics: "I saw the sign."

The band drove past a sign marking the well-traveled Cedar Valley road, and member Taylor Anderson suggested it as an alternative to Shades of Grey, the group's original name.

"It was short and simple and just seemed to fit," said Anderson.

The group was formed over two months in 2006 for Onefest, a two-day Christian rock festival held at the UNI-Dome, after founder Jason Rich was inspired to play at the concert. It was the first time the members would take the stage together, but far from the last.

Rich, worship leader at both Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls and Pleasant Valley Reform Church in Holland, found his calling in Christian music after realizing college wasn't for him.

"I learned it's not about me and that's when God started opening doors," said Rich, who plays guitar and sings lead vocals for Greenhill.

After Onefest, he found a deeper meaning in music and felt encouraged to keep the group together.

"A little girl approached me after the concert and asked me for an autograph," Rich said. "I asked (myself) how I should portray myself everyday. How I could look like someone of God."

Anderson, a junior at UNI and owner of Lawn Lords, plays bass and sings backing vocals. He saw his true purpose in the band.

"Music is a great way to make a living, but when you put in the purpose of serving God, it's a huge pressure, but it's doing something awesome," he said.

Justin Bartlett, who attended Onefest, approached the band afterward and offered to manage them. Bartlett, a full-time employee of Shorts Travel, gave his free time to book gigs and organize recording times for the band's first album.

Greenhill's first CD was recorded in a small room at Orchard Hill, sometimes in the early morning hours in order to accommodate the church staff. "The Days of a Tree" features seven original songs created by the band members and made possible through the donations of others.

The band sent out e-mails to the community and found all the necessary funds in just two weeks.

Bartlett said Greenhill has found success in its performance schedule. Nearly all shows booked have been by request, he said.

Guitarist Jeremy Good, lovingly called Papa J by his bandmates, secured a gig for Greenhill leading a week-long camp through Trinity Bible Church, where he serves as music director.

Along with his background in drums and percussion, Drew Johnson adds a unique sound to Greenhill with his cello skills - an addition that often pleasantly surprises audiences.

Other than its name, Greenhill has faced other changes. Two early members left to pursue other things, and were replaced by Good and Rachel Henkle, who plays guitar and keyboard and provides vocals.

"It's cool because before I was even here, people were excited about this band," Henkle said.

Henkle, a teacher's associate at Holmes Junior High, often contributes her own songs to the band for collaboration.

"For me, songwriting is journaling," she said. "It's a good way for me to process the good and the bad."

Anderson said the changes in the band couldn't have worked out any better. Both Henkle and Good joined after the CD was cut, but the songs before and after carry the same theme.

"If we can become broken like Jesus was on the cross, then we can really become his people," Rich said. "…We want to give a glimpse of God to even one person."

Songs like "He's My Love" and "You Are Mine" vocalize hard times.

"I find people can relate to songs created through hard times the most," Rich said.

The band is looking forward to leading worship at Caravan, an annual 10-day conference held for Cedar Valley high school students. This year the conference will be held in New York City at the end of next month.

"Students from any church and no church are welcome," Bartlett said.

The band members also have high hopes for the future of Greenhill. While they aren't signed yet, it is a common goal they share.

"It's really easy to see everything and be excited about it, but it's important to remember where the talent comes from," Anderson said. "It's important to stay humble and focused on what you're doing."

{M3For more information about Greenhill or to purchase a copy of "The Days of the Tree," visit www.myspace.com/greenhilltheband.