What's Happening in Church Music - March 26

OSO MUSICAL THRIVES IN RELAUNCH

Aided by the support of the Shaping Young Worshipers Through Transformative Music Ministry initiative, Oso Musical has relaunched! Oso Musical provides a musical classroom experience for the participants (K-12), a support community for the families, and an opportunity for Baylor students planning to enter church ministry or education to have hands-on experience working with children with disabilities. Both in fall 2023 and spring 2024, Oso Musical has had full enrollment with a waiting list.

Dr. Kelly Hollingsworth, Assistant Professor of Music Education, leads 12 community participants each paired with at least one “Baylor Buddy” (Baylor student volunteer). Jane Akenga (Church Music, MM), one of the Baylor Buddies, comments, “Seeing the kids’ excitement and enthusiasm really uplifts my spirit.” Partnering with Shaping Young Worshipers, has allowed Oso to hire a coordinator and empowered the revision of content to include Bible verses and spiritual songs.

Now in its second term after relaunch, the impact is clear. Dr. Hollingsworth shares, “Caregivers are smiling, videoing, and sometimes tearing up when they see their child lean into a toy microphone for a solo, move a scarf to match the music, wait patiently for their turn to play the instruments, and get excited when playing the instrument.” Lessons learned from Oso Musical will be shared with Learning Communities as the children’s grant progresses.

• If you or someone you know would like to know more about Oso Musical or join the waitlist, please contact Oso Musical Program Coordinator, Beverly Shultz.
• Hear Dr. Hollingsworth will speak further about serving children with disabilities in the church at the 2024 Alleluia Conference
• Watch the video linked above about Oso Musical and the connection to Shaping Young Worshipers Through Transformative Music Ministry

ALUMNI, STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF

• This week, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Institute for Church Music Studies at Baylor. Now known as the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies, the Center offers programming and academic support to Baylor church musicians while seeking to build a robust network of church partners and alumni connections around the globe. On Sunday, March 25, 1984, members of the Baylor community gathered for a service of dedication at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Today we honor the legacy and memory of those who have paved the way for church music education at Baylor.
• Have an update or story to share? Email us. 

DOCTORAL POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Join the students of Dr. Laube's Research in Church Music Philosophy class as they present posters during class on Tuesday, March 26th. This event is open to the public and is come and go as you are available.

• Date: Tuesday, March 26
• Time: 3:30-4:30 PM
• Location: Waco Hall East, Room 205A

CHILDREN'S GRANT IN ACTION

The Children's Grant team has officially launched its Learning Communities! Thanks to our friends at Park Cities Baptist Church for hosting the first meeting of the North Learning Community. We value your prayers as these communities come together to begin sharing wisdom, challenges, and ideas around our driving question, "How is music currently nurturing children in the life of the church community?"
 
Up Next:

• Central Community Meeting (Waco Area): Friday, April 5

NORTHCUTT LECTURE SERIES

Started in 1985, the Northcutt Lecture remains one of the most prestigious lectures on church music in the world and has attracted top national and international scholars in the field since its inception. We invite you to make plans to join us for this year's lecture with Dr. Anton Armstrong who serves as Tosdal Professor of Music at St. Olaf College where he has served as conductor of the St. Olaf Choir since 1990. 

• Date: Tuesday, April 9th
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Location: Armstrong Browning Library, Foyer of Meditation

Learn more about this event on our website. 

JOB OPENINGS

Mosaic Waco: Seeking a Worship Director, responsible for bringing Mosaic's vision and mission to life by effectively coordinating and managing all musical activities within the church. This entails planning, scheduling, organizing, recruiting, and administration to ensure the seamless execution of worship experiences. Learn more and apply here: mosaicwaco.org/now-hiring/

First Baptist Church of Middletown, Kentucky: Seeking a committed Christian in faith and practice to serve as Associate Pastor of Music and Worship, overseeing all aspects of the music ministry and reporting to the Pastor. This position includes planning, coordinating, and leading the Sunday morning worship service and Wednesday evening Sanctuary Choir rehearsal. Other duties include pastoral care and leadership of various other choirs and ensembles.

Learn more and apply here: www.fbcmtown.org

SUMMER WORK POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT ALLELUIA AND WORSHIP LAB

We are currently recruiting students to work for this summer's upcoming conference and summer music camp. Spaces are available for both Alleluia Conference Worship Associates and Worship Lab Camp Counselors.

Students interested in signing up to work one of these important events should complete the sign-up form. Open to others outside of Church Music as well!