Many Voices Come Together at Baylor for Alleluia Conference

by Nincy Mathew, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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Youth music directors, church music ministers, and choir directors from all over the world are gathering next week for the eighth Alleluia Conference at Baylor University.

The annual event provides music ministers and pastors the opportunity to worship and fellowship together. The four-day conference includes leadership training, reading sessions, evening concerts, exhibits, and a banquet that features Dr. Michael Hawn, accordionist and professor of church music at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The banquet also honors a Baylor graduate for exemplary leadership in Christian music. This year's award goes to Hal Hopson, a 1954 Baylor graduate and composer of church music.

Clinicians will be available to lead daily training sessions, including Hilary Apfelstadt, professor of choral studies and director of choral activities at Ohio State University and national president of the American Choral Association.

"Worship leaders get the chance to fellowship and worship without having to lead," said Melinda Coats, coordinator for the Alleluia Conference. "They also learn new skills to take back to their churches and meet with friends they have developed over the years."

The Alleluia Conference will take place in the Glennis McCrary Music Building and the George W. Truett Theological Seminary from July 21 to July 24, 2009.

The evening concerts are open and free to the public. On Tuesday afternoon, July 21, at 5:15 in Truett Theological Seminary's Powell Chapel, Baylor University will host the youth choir from First Baptist Church of Keller, Texas. The chancel choir from St. Andrew United Methodist Church of Plano, Texas will be performing on Wednesday night, July 22, at 7:30 in Jones Concert Hall located within the music building.

Both concerts will be outstanding and of interest to the entire Waco community, said Dr. Randall Bradley, director of the church music program.

Baylor University partnered with Celebrating Grace Hymnal, Jubilate!, Chorister's Guild, YouthCue and the Baptist General Convention of Texas for this event.

Hours, cost, lodging and other information can be found on the Alleluia conference website: www.baylor.edu/alleluia.