The 40 Collective is a worship ensemble that seeks to serve the church by leading worship for various groups, including churches, youth groups, and other events. The group is made up of undergraduate and graduate church music students. With additional opportunities to lead, the 40 Collective offers further training in worship leadership skills.
The 40 Collective is available to lead worship for youth groups, church services, DNows, and any other worship events. We are committed to having this ensemble be a blessing for our community, so there is no cost to have the 40 Collective lead worship.
If you are interested in having the 40 Collective lead at your church or event, please contact Shannan_Baker@baylor.edu.
Why the “40 Collective”?
The 40 Collective gets its name from the room it rehearses in: RG40. However, the number 40 holds significant meaning in the Bible. It can be a period of trial or testing, such as the Israelites in the wilderness or Jesus testing after his baptism. 40 can also represent an extended time in nearness with Jesus, such as after the resurrection when Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples before ascending into heaven. During college, students can go through both types of 40, and the name the 40 Collective represents the different life seasons of college.
Current Members
Instrumentalists: Drums: Isaac Bradley (MM), Bass: Madison Emmons (MM/MDiv), Keys: Alyssa Nimocks (Senior), Electric Guitar: Ruth Edwards (Junior), Acoustic Guitar: Eva Parker (Sophomore)
Vocalists: Sarah Davis (Junior), Sylvia Jones (DMA), Monica Malas (Junior), Zariel Rivas (Senior)
Leadership Team
Dr. Shannan Baker is a postdoctoral research fellow in church music and a contemporary worship consultant. Her research and passion for contemporary worship music-making led to the creation of the 40 Collective. While her primary instrument is drums, she is proficient on guitar, keys, bass, and vocals. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Dr. Baker serves as the group and music director providing musical instruction and overall guidance.
Sylvia Jones is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Church Music with an emphasis in vocal performance at Baylor University. Her versatility shines through her repertoire, spanning classical to gospel genres, showcased notably at Carnegie Hall and A Baylor Christmas in 2022. Serving as the group's vocal director, Sylvia aims to equip classically trained vocalists with the versatile tools needed to confidently sing across different genres.