Baylor Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies

Introducing one of our technology clinicians: Jeff Barnett!

Jeff Barnett is the Director of Worship Sales at Sweetwater. He has 25 years' experience in worship technology as a live sound and recording engineer, system designer, installer, educator, and musician. Jeff works with thousands of churches and worship artists from all over the world, including Jesus Culture, David Crowder, Shane & Shane, and many more. Jeff enjoys working in his home studio and singing with his a ca****la group, Smooth Edge 2. Jeff and his wife Brit are proud parents of six kids and are still trying to figure out where the youngest one's left shoe is. (If you find the shoe, please let him know.)

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our Children and Disability clinician: Kelly Jo Hollingsworth!

Kelly Jo Hollingsworth holds degrees from the University of Mobile and Auburn University and has 17 years of early childhood and elementary classroom experience. She was chosen as Teacher of the Year at three schools and made it to the Sweet 16 for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year in 2014. She teaches elementary music methods courses as an Assistant Professor of Elementary Music Education at Baylor. Kelly also serves as the master teacher for Baylor’s Oso Musical, a general music class for K-12 children with disabilities. She has completed Kodály Level I and Orff-Schulwerk Levels I, II, III, and Master. Kelly is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association.

It is not too late to register for Alleluia! Visit our website for more information:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

The time is almost here! The 2024 Alleluia Conference begins on July 23rd at Baylor University. Come together with ministers from around the country and participate in conversations, leadership sessions, practical training, and more at this summer's event. There is still time to register yourself and your ministry team volunteers. Learn more at http://alleluia.music.baylor.edu.

Happy Independence Day! Take advantage of a one-day discount on registration to this summer's Alleluia Conference. Register online at http://www.baylor.edu/alleluia.

Introducing our Alleluia clinician for ministry and the 2024 ELCM Award Recipient: Dennis Worley!

Dennis Worley, a Baylor Alumnus, has lived and worked in the Nashville, TN area for 43 years. During that time, he has been involved in the Christian Music Industry, serving as a music publisher, producer, road manager, artist manager and Gospel Music Association Board Member, where he created the first GMA seminars for aspiring church artists. Dennis and Karla Worley live in Brentwood TN. They have three grown sons and 5 grandchildren.

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our clinician for ministry: Terry York!

Terry W. York is a retired Professor of Christian Ministry and Church Music at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He joined the faculty in 1998 after serving three years as the Associate Pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He has been Minister of Music in churches in California and Arizona. From 1984-1995 he served at the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources) in Nashville, TN. His duties there included being the Project Coordinator for The Baptist Hymnal, 1991. In all, Dr. York has published more than 40 hymns including the well-known "Worthy of Worship." His hymn "Give Us Courage" was commissioned by the Truett Seminary administration and approved by the Truett Seminary faculty as the official Seminary Hymn in 2006. In addition to his hymns, Dr. York has published more than 60 choral anthem texts set by composers such as Bob Burroughs, David Danner, Tom Fettke, Benjamin Harlan, Mary McDonald, Earlene Rentz, David Schwoebel, Joseph Martin, Vicki Hancock Wright, and Taylor Scott Davis, Dan Goeller, and Vicki Tucker Courtney.

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our clinician for song share over contemporary songs for worship: Josh Stewart!

Josh Stewart has served in full time ministry for over 18 years as a worship pastor, student choir director, worship ministry coach and mentor. Growing up as a pastor’s son he was exposed to a wide range of musical worship expressions that prepared him for leadership in many different church environments. Josh has a passion for multi-generational worship. He desires to equip the next generation of worshippers while growing along with those who have paved the way.

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our handbell clinician: Jill Mahr!

Jill Mahr holds a B.M. degree in flute performance and music education with a jazz minor from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She earned a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance at Northwestern University, where she studied with Walfrid Kujala of the Chicago Symphony. Jill teaches flute and handbells at St. Olaf College.

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our guest clinician for song share over Contemporary Songs for Worship: Jacob Sensenig!

Jacob Sensenig serves as Minister of Music and Worship Arts at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, Baylor University, and Truett Seminary. He holds a PhD. in Church Music from Baylor University. His doctoral cohort were responsible for planning and executing the launch of Worship Lab, Baylor's high-school worship training camp that runs concurrently with the Alleluia Conference. Since 2015, he has served as teacher and consultant for Worship Lab.

Visit our website for more information and registration at https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our discussion panelist: Shannon Baker!

Shannan Baker serves as postdoctoral fellow within the School of Music. Her appointment immediately follows the completion of her Ph.D. in Church Music from Baylor University. Dr. Baker endeavors to find ways to connect contemporary worship research with the practice of the church. Primarily, this has occurred through the creation of contemporary worship workshops where students are encouraged to connect their classroom learning with practical applications in a band-led worship style. Dr. Baker has experience playing multiple instruments including drums (her emphasis for her BA), piano/keys, acoustic guitar, and bass guitar, which allows her to communicate with the various band members. Dr. Baker is a Michigan native, who now lives in Waco and serves the local church through the many gifts with which God has blessed her.

Visit our website for more information and registration: https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing one of our clinicians for our song share over Contemporary Songs for Worship: Dylan Reese!

Dylan Reese serves as Minister of Worship at Westbury Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Music in Church Music, as well as, a Master of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary. Dylan has served in many roles with Worship Lab throughout the years, most recently as visiting worship leader at the 2022 camp. You will find Dylan in bass and guitar sessions, as well as, other breakouts on formation, rehearsal techniques, and more.

Visit our website for more information and registration. https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Tomorrow is the deadline to receive early registration pricing for this summer's Alleluia Conference! We hope you are making plans to join us in July as we present breakout sessions, concerts, reading sessions and more! Learn more and register online at http://www.baylor.edu/alleluia.

Introducing our Children's Music clinician: Whitney Head!

Whitney Head teaches K-5 music at Elizabeth Elementary School in Shelby, North Carolina. She is passionate about shining God’s light in the public-school setting and enjoys working to provide a loving, joy-filled space for her students. Whitney is certified in Orff-Schulwerk I and II and strives to create engaging curriculum that promotes student creativity. She has written for Growing in Grace and Chorister’s Guild and has presented at conferences in Alabama and North Carolina. She is a member of Parkwood Baptist Church where she plays bass on the worship team and teaches an ESL class. Prior to teaching, Whitney served in full-time ministry in Alabama and on the mission field in El Salvador. She earned a Master’s degree in Music Education from Samford University and a Bachelor’s degree in Church Music from Samford as well.

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Come to Alleluia and enjoy a discounted rate! Early registration ends in two days.

Visit our website to register:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu/conference-registration

Introducing our band-led worship clinician: Sky Howard!!

Sky Howard serves as Worship Associate at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. His worship journey began as an eleven year old who got invited to play in the worship band of my home church. Since then the Lord has led him to serve in a variety of worship environments, and has given him the passion to lead people to connect with God in a congregational setting. He loves to work with worship bands and is excited to bring what he has learned to the Alleluia conference! Sky and his wife, Sarah, live in Houston, Tx with their two sons, Asher and Caleb.

Visit our website for more information and registration.
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

This summer's Alleluia Conference will include something for every church musician. We are excited to have an exceptional line-up of clinicians and a variety of breakout session topics offered. Early registration ends on Wednesday, May 15th. DON'T MISS OUT! Register today at http://www.baylor.edu/alleluia.

Come to Alleluia at a discounted rate! Register before the deadline on May 15th.

https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu/conference-registration

Introducing our handbell clinician: Brenda Austin

Brenda Austin is in demand, nationally, as a conductor and clinician because of her dynamic and energetic approach to connecting musicians through handbells. In 2019, Brenda joined the team at Hope Publishing Company in Carol Stream, IL as Editor. In 2023, she was named Music Director for Embellish handbell ensemble. Before joining Embellish, she served as the Artistic Director for the Detroit Handbell Ensemble since 2016. She has served First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI, as Director of Music since 2003. Brenda graduated with degrees in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She studied with Craig Arnold, Steve Zegree and Eph Ehly. Additionally, she has had more than 90 titles published for handbells and sacred choral since 2015.

Introducing our ministry clinician: Randall Bradley!

He is the Ben H. Williams Professor of Church Music and Director of the Church Music Program and the Center for Christian Music Studies at Baylor University where he is a member of the undergraduate and graduate faculties and directs the Baylor University Men's Choir. With a passion for building bridges between Christian musicians, he continually looks for ways to create meaningful dialogue among all who are committed to serving the church through music.

Visit our website for more information and registration: https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

The window for early registration is starting to close. Make sure to get your discounted rate before the deadline on May 15th!

https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu/conference-registration

Introducing our youth choirs clinician: Ben Turner!

Ben Turner is the Director of Music Ministries at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, TX and a native Mississippian. Ben is a graduate of Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. He has 17 years of experience in church music, having served four different churches in Central Mississippi and DFW.

Visit our website for more information and registration: https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing our children's music clinician: Terry Taylor!

Terry Taylor is Managing Editor of Growing in Grace Children’s Music Curriculum, a comprehensive faith-based resource in use in over 1000 churches and schools in 40 states. From 1980-2012 Terry served as a full-time Minister of Music. He received a BCM from Belmont University and a MCM from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Terry is widely respected for his creativity, advocacy, and leadership in music ministry with children. He is the founder and director of the Children’s Freedom Choir and Music City SoundTracks, which reach out to socially and economically challenged children in south Nashville.

Visit our website for more information and registration:
https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Congratulations to church music students Blayne Stoneceipher, Monica Malas, and Sylvia Jones on their outstanding performances during the ‘23-‘24 season!

Productions: Fall Opera Scenes, Luisa Fernanda by Fredrico Moreno Torroba, and Speed Dating Tonight! By Michael Ching.

Congratulations to Baylor class of 1976 graduate, Benjamin Harlan as recipient of the 2024 Hines Sims Award at the 2024 Southern Baptist Church Music Conference. Sic 'em, Benji!

🎶 Church Music Student Appreciation Dinner ‘24! 🎉 Celebrating a fantastic school year and kicking off a new tradition with our first appreciation dinner! 🙌

We are excited to announce the awarding of a $1 million grant in the Baylor University School of Music to expand Baylor University's Youth Worship Initiative. This four year project will focus on Worship Lab as a summer music camp, one-day church workshops, a resourcing website, and more. Learn more about this award at https://ccms.music.baylor.edu/news/story/2024/baylor-university-awarded-second-1-million-lilly-endowment-inc-grant-expand-youth

Introducing Ken Medema, Alleluia's worship leader and clinician!

Ken is one of the most creative and authentic artists performing today. For five decades, he has used music as a vehicle for creating conversation through storytelling and reflection. Ken custom designs each performance, integrating new and old music with his gift of improvisation to suit the occasion. With an ever-growing circle of friends around the world, Ken's vocal and piano artistry and imagination have reached audiences of 50 to 50,000 people in 49 United States and in more than 15 countries on four continents. Ken is a team player…loves working with event planners, spiritual leaders, teachers, and other artists.

Visit our website for more information and registration! https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu

Introducing Alleluia's Global Worship Clinician: Maria Monteiro!

Originally from Recife, Brazil, Maria serves as Lecturer in Church Music at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and as Music Director at Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana (First Mexican Baptist Church), in San Antonio. Before joining the Baylor faculty in 2020, she taught for seventeen years at Baptist University of the Américas, also in San Antonio. Maria holds a Master of Music (1991) and a Bachelor of Music (1987) degrees in Music History and Literature from Baylor University, a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Musicology (1998) from Duke University, and a Ph.D. in Church Music (2021) from Baylor.

Registration and additional information found online at https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu/

Last week, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Anton Armstrong as our Northcutt lecturer. Here are a few snapshots of his time on campus with us!

This year's Alleluia preacher is Ron English!

Ron serves as pastor of Greater Bosqueville Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas and graduated from Willowridge High School. He graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management. In the fall of 1996, he began attending Baylor’s George W. Truett Seminary, where he earned a master of divinity degree in theology. Ron currently works at Baylor University in the Paul L. Foster Success Center as the Strategic Intervention Program Manager.

For more information and registration, visit https://alleluia.music.baylor.edu/