LOOKING FORWARD IN FAITH: NEW YEAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHURCH MUSIC
The spring semester is off to a vibrant start at Baylor, with a wide range of opportunities for creativity, professional formation, and worship through music. From collaborative songwriting and career development to historic singing traditions and powerful engagements with Black worship, the months ahead offer something for students, faculty, and the wider community alike.
Creativity & Musicianship
This week, we welcome the Baylor community to a two-day songwriting retreat led by visiting scholars Carey and Geraldine Luce. Participants will collaborate on new music in a creative, immersive environment. Supported for the past two years by Truett Seminary’s Artist in Residence Program, this retreat reflects our continued partnership with Truett in serving students, faculty, and staff.
Career Development
Next week, the Baylor organ studio will host a career development symposium for church musicians and organists. Leaders from across the field will engage conversations on personnel, finance, technology, and related topics. We are pleased to partner with the organ studio in offering this event, designed for both current students and members of the wider community seeking professional growth.
Historic Singing through Tradition
In early February, Baylor will host the annual Sacred Harp Sing. Since 2002, this gathering has welcomed singers to experience the tradition of The Sacred Harp (1991). This year marks the first sing using the newly released 2025 edition of the book.
Spring Leadership Conversation
In mid-February, the Dunn Center’s advisory board will convene for its biannual meeting to discuss program planning and future direction. Comprised of pastors, church musicians, alumni, business leaders, and supporters, this group continues to play a vital role in connecting the Dunn Center’s mission with students in Baylor’s Church Music degree program.
Focus on Black Worship
The final week of February will offer several opportunities for the Baylor community and the public to engage leading voices and extraordinary music making. Through the Hearn Innovators in Christian Music Series, GRAMMY® Award–winning producer Kevin Bond will be in residence for three days, speaking in classes, offering a public presentation, leading music chapel, and meeting informally with students. That same week, we will welcome Canada’s Nathaniel Dett Chorale for a community performance and participation in the premiere of Dr. Stephen Newby’s The Hosea Oratorio: A Gospel Jazz Hip-Hop Spoken Word Fusion.
It is an exciting start to the semester, and we invite you to join us for the many programs planned in the months ahead.