Celebrating 25 Years of Visionary Choral Leadership
A truly magical moment took shape on the stage of Jones Concert Hall this past Sunday. The concert was a culmination of a weekend where alumni joined with current members of the Baylor University Men's Choir to celebrate 25 years of exemplary leadership by Dr. Randall Bradley. Throughout his time at Baylor, more than 1,000 young men have joined their voices together with others from disciplines across the campus, building an inspirational community of leaders.
An Event to Remember
Bringing together two decades of students is no small task and a key group of alumni felt the call to build a team of leaders to shape a weekend celebration that honored the legacy of their fearless leader. Joining together with some 140 alumni voices, the event started with a Friday night dinner with current and former Men's Choir officers and accompanists.
The event officially kicked-off on Saturday welcoming students for breakfast to be followed by an opening rehearsal and sectionals. Throughout the day, participants joined together for two additional rehearsals and concluded Saturday's activities with an evening banquet intentionally designed as a space for alumni to share stories of their journey through Men's Choir.
One special moment from the event was the performance of a work commissioned for the celebration. Composer Craig Courtney was tasked with setting a text by Pamela Stewart titled "The Windows of Heaven." The piece was introduced by BUMC alum John Woods who outlined Randall's vast impact on the lives of students over the past two and a half decades creating memories, shaping lives, and developing musicians. Often encountered through the most unexpected places, the BUMC has allowed melody and meaning to intertwine in a space where students have seen glimpses of something greater than themselves. A framed copy of the piece signed by all of the members in attendance was presented to Dr. Bradley during the event.
"For the hundreds of men who have, over the past 25 years, been part of this ever-widening circle—we have come to realize something profound: The thin place was never a place at all. It has always been a person. And through him, we have seen ourselves and our Creator more clearly. Through him, we have found acceptance. Lived with purpose. Persevered through pain. Discovered joy. Sung with passion and precision. For us, our thin place is found in you, Dr. Bradley." - John Woods, B.M., M.M., M.Div.
A Legacy of Hospitality and Musicianship
Dr. Bradley is deeply committed to the sense of community that naturally develops when men sing together. Prior to coming to becoming director of the Baylor Men’s Choir in 2000, he conducted Oklahoma Baptist University’s historic Bison Glee Club beginning in 1994. At Baylor he serves as the Ben H. Williams Professor of Music, Director of the Church Music Program, and the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in church music.
From hosting 70-100 members in his home each year for countless meals to traveling across the globe to share music with communities in Kenya, Dr. Bradley's family have knowingly and intentionally shaped the lives of young people at Baylor to show hospitality and share a broader world of music and culture.
Now, the BUMC has had a presence on campus, in the Waco community, around the state, and around the world in schools and churches singing and doing mission work. This is due to the vision of Dr. Bradley. It is not by accident. The experiences we've had are a direct result of his leadership. We love men's choir, but we're here because we love him. He is men's choir to us. He's been a constant encourager, mentor, teacher, voice of wisdom, and friend. - James Kimmel, B.M, M.M.
We celebrate with Dr. Bradley this momentous occasion and thank each of the more than 140 alumni who returned to Baylor to be a part of the event.
Sic 'em, Baylor Men's Choir and Dr. Bradley!
