Develop practical conducting skills to lead choirs from the console with confidence, incorporating efficient rehearsal strategies and clear gesture techniques.
Alleluia Conference
Eric Nelson – The Congregations Point of View (2025 Alleluia Conference)
What is the congregation hoping to experience when listening to the choir sing in worship? What does it mean for the choir to “lead in worship?” How does this affect how/what we do in our rehearsals? What does this have to do with conducting?
Kyle Berry – David’s Dance of Wonder (2025 Alleluia Conference)
The narrative of David dancing before the ark of the covenant in 2 Samuel 6 is surrounded by tensions in a mysterious death and domestic conflict. A closer look at this passage of Scripture reveals a connection between these events and the special insight David gained about worship that caused him to dance. This session will examine what can be learned from this story about how we can balance our worship between holding our holy God at arms length and drawing close to him.
Daniel Brondel – Conducting Techniques for Organists (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Develop practical conducting skills to lead choirs from the console with confidence, incorporating efficient rehearsal strategies and clear gesture techniques.
Eric Nelson – The Singer’s and Conductor’s Point of View: Diction (2025 Alleluia Conference)
A session on diction seems so simple as to be almost unnecessary. Just pronounce the words of the anthem clearly, end of story. In practice, choral diction is surprisingly complicated and has a direct effect on other aspect of choral music-making, including phrasing and tone. Can good diction be taught? Whose responsibility is diction, the singer or the conductor?
Andrew Pressley – Engaging Kids in Corporate Worship (2025 Alleluia Conference)
The Lord intends to use the church’s main gathering in the lives of children, too! Attend this session to explore five convictions about corporate worship and kids, then hear ten practical ideas for engaging them in gathered worship.
Beth Judd & Michèle Sharik – Ask Us Anything! Handbells Panel Discussion (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Ask us anything! A guided question and answer session covering as many of your burning handbell questions as time allows.
Eric Nelson – The Singer’s and Conductor’s Point of View: Tuning (2025 Alleluia Conference)
For many choir members and conductors, the goal of rehearsal is to learn the notes and the rhythms. Are we allowed to ask our choirs for more than that? Can we ask them to sing in tune? Is singing in tune important? Can singing in tune be taught? Whose responsibility is tuning, the singer or the conductor?
Maria Monteiro – A Portrait of Transformative Children’s Music Ministry: Tuning (2025 Alleluia Conference)
In this interactive session, we will consider the seven components of a transformative children’s music ministry. These seven themes have emerged from an on-going study conducted by a team from Baylor University’s Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies titled “Shaping Young Worshipers Through Transformative Music Ministry” (funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc). After a brief overview of the goals and activities of this project, participants will be invited to engage on the design of this proposed portrait, offering contributions based on their own experiences and context. We hope that this sessions will inspire participants to continue the vital work of nurturing young worshipers in their faith communities.
Heather Sorenson – How Do I Play That? (2025 Alleluia Conference)
From sight-reading to challenging passages, this session offers hands-on strategies for tackling tricky pieces with confidence and creativity.
Michèle Sharik – Intro to Four-in-Hand (2025 Alleluia Conference)
In this class, you’ll learn the three most useful methods of ringing two bells in each hand (known as “Four-in-Hand” or “4iH”), how to decide which to use when, and how to do them safely and musically. If time allows, we will also learn some dexterity drills to practice what you learn and hone your skills.
Eric Nelson – The Conductor’s Point of View: Phrasing (2025 Alleluia Conference)
What is the purpose of a conductor in rehearsal? What are we hoping to accomplish? Do we do anything beyond choosing the music and picking the tempo?? Are we allowed to ask our choirs to improve? Improve what? Improve how? We’ll start to explore these questions by looking at the conductor’s role in teaching and shaping phrasing.
Scotty Gray – The Polyphony of Hymnody (2025 Alleluia Conference)
This session focuses on a comprehensive and integrated approach to understanding the “polyphony” (rarely considered, multifaceted dimensions) of hymnody and how this approach can enhance the study and singing of hymns. This session is an update of a paper presented at the International Conference of Hymn Societies at the University of Cambridge in 2015.
Thursday Worship Gathering (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Thursday worship gathering at the 24th annual Alleluia Conference, July 24, 2025. Music led by Geraldine Latty Luce and Carey Luce, with pastor Chris Johnson.
Daniel Brondel – Organ Registration for Service Playing (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Discover how to apply effective registrations for hymns, choral accompaniments, and liturgical moments, ensuring clarity, expression, and dynamic leadership in worship.
Michèle Sharik – Handbell Basics Revisited: Your 10,000 Measure Tune-Up (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Whether you’re a brand-new beginner or a “veteran ringer,” this class will teach (or remind!) you what to do before you ever pick up a bell or chime. Learn ergonomic techniques to help you not only “survive” those long rehearsals, concerts, and day-long ringing festivals, but also do so without pain or soreness. Ringers will be introduced to the concept of “The Three S’s: Stance, Seat and Stroke”, and will focus on developing a relaxed ringing style to help control the bell, ring dynamically, and make beautiful music.
Eric Nelson – The Singer’s Point of View (2025 Alleluia Conference)
The dedication of the singers in our choirs is remarkable. Many of them attend rehearsals and services regularly for decades. Why? What does this question have to do with our role as conductors?
Armindo Ferreira, Sylvia Jones, and Isaac MontgomeryFaith in Every Note: The Musician as Practical Theologian (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Dive into the rich intersection of music and theology in this thought-provoking session, “Faith in Every Note: The Musician as Practical Theologian.” Explore how musicians embody faith through their artistry, inspiring spiritual reflection and dialogue while shaping theological practice in everyday life.
Randall Bradley – Designing Worship: A Look Back at What Works (2025 Alleluia Conference)
This session will draw from Randall Bradley’s decades of experience in worship planning, exploring the essential elements of crafting meaningful and transformative worship services. It will go beyond song selection to discuss
Karen Gosselin – Preschool World (2025 Alleluia Conference)
What works with preschoolers and what doesn’t…. How do I plan and work with this age group? Let’s grab the beat and learn!
Dan Baker – Sing Sing Sing: Better Youth Choir with Great Music (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Choosing the right music is important for young singers. This session will offer a deeper dive into choosing musically and spiritually meaningful repertoire.
Daniel Brondel – Organ Recital Series and Programming (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Discover strategies for planning and executing engaging organ recitals, from selecting repertoire to audience engagement and effective promotion.
Angela Leonhardt – Sacred Sounds: Inspiring Young Voices with Hymns (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Come explore new ways to utilize the power of Hymns in your rehearsal time through movement and instruments.
Cheryl Lindquist – Creative Hymn Arrangements for Today’s World (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Breathe new life into beloved hymns with creative arrangements that connect tradition with modern worship. Learn how to refresh classic melodies for contemporary congregations.
Randall Bradley – Global and Multicultural Music in Worship: Lessons from a Lifetime of Exploration (2025 Alleluia Conference)
This session explores the rich world of global and multicultural worship music, drawing from Randall Bradley’s lifetime of experience engaging with diverse musical traditions. It will focus on why and how churches can incorporate
Karen Gosselin – My Favorite Things (2025 Alleluia Conference)
These are a few of my favorite things! C’mon…let’s look at games, rhythms, charts, music, props, and more!
Dan Baker – Youth Choir Culture: Surviving and Thriving (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Finding the sweet spot in youth choir can be elusive. This session will explore practical ways to maintain healthy success in youth choir while balancing the rest of life and ministry.
Daniel Brondel – Organ Maintenance and Care (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Understand key maintenance practices for pipe organs, from routine care to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your instrument.
Molly Ijames – The Worship Pianist: Friend or Foe? (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Behind the fern and out of the shadows—this session dives into the joys, challenges, and often-overlooked role of the church pianist. Discover ways to enhance your effectiveness in worship leadership.
Angela Leonhardt – A Pinch of This, A Dash of That: Let’s Sing, Dance & Play (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Come explore ways to mix up your weekly rehearsal time with student creativity, stories, instruments, and more. Target audience: 1st – 6th grade.
Karen Gosselin – Conducting and Children (2025 Alleluia Conference)
How is conducting with children any different than with teenagers or adults? Let’s look at some creative ways to use rehearsal techniques and patterns that are effective with children!
Angela Leonhardt – Stories that Sing (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Utilize children’s picture books and Bible verses to capture your learners imagination. Tried and true activities will be shared for singing, playing, and building musical literacy.
Wednesday Worship Gathering (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Join us for the opening worship gathering at the 24th annual Alleluia Conference on the campus of Baylor University, July 22, 2025.
Karen Gosselin – Fun in the Round (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Let’s learn and work with many different songs that are sung in a round and different ways to use a round than just singing!
Angela Leonhardt – Let’s Take a Break: Wiggle & Shake (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Jump into movement and music activities with your students. This hands on session will explore music making through structured & creative movement for 1st- 6th graders.
Randall Bradley – Leaving a Legacy: What Will Be Your Impact? (2025 Alleluia Conference)
As retirement approaches, Randall Bradley offers a deeply reflective and inspiring look at what it means to leave a legacy in church music. He encourages seasoned church musicians, worship leaders, and music educators to think beyond
Karen Gosselin – Circle Games (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Who doesn’t love a good circle game or activity? (as long as I don’t get “cooties”!) Come join the group and lose yourself in learning and fun!
Daniel Brondel – Enhancing Congregational Singing (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Learn techniques to strengthen congregational singing through thoughtful hymn playing, effective registrations, articulation, and creative use of the organ’s resources.
Angela Leonhardt – Energizer Bunnies…They Just Keep Going and Going (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Little people love to move! Let’s channel that movement into creative music making to build musical skills, create independence and explore music in our rehearsals.
Jared Billups & Zach Elkins (2025 Alleluia Conference)
In this session, we’ll explore how the tech ministry plays a vital role in shaping the heart and identity of your church’s worship environment. Learn how to intentionally build a culture of excellence, humility, and unity within your tech team, and discover practical strategies for fostering seamless collaboration with music and worship leaders. Whether you’re behind the console or on the stage, this conversation will help bridge the gap between departments and cultivate one unified sound that honors God and serves the church.
Karen Gosselin – Singing Energizers and Brain Breaks (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Let’s get them in their head voice! Let’s get them singing harmony! Let’s get them moving! Bring in the learning in a fun way!
Daniel Brondel – Vocal Care for Cantors and Choirs (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Explore essential vocal health strategies and techniques to support cantors and choirs, helping them maintain strong, healthy voices for liturgical singing.
Jeff Barnett, Jordan Greer, and Kent Morris – Demystifying In-Ears and Tracks in Worship (2025 Alleluia Conference)
In-ear monitors and backing tracks can feel like intimidating tools reserved for megachurches or professional musicians—but they’re more accessible (and ministry-aligned) than you might think. This session is designed to take the fear and confusion out of integrating IEMs and tracks into your worship environment. We’ll explore how these tools can enhance musical unity, reduce distractions, and serve your team—without sacrificing authenticity or congregational engagement. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of the gear, the heart behind it, and how to introduce or improve its use in a way that aligns with your church’s worship culture.
Molly Ijames – Changing a Church’s Song Culture from the Piano (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Discover how to blend tradition with innovation, shaping the musical identity of your church through meaningful and impactful piano arrangements. Learn how to tell the “old, old story” in fresh and engaging ways that connect with today’s worshippers.
Randall Bradley – The Pastoral Musician: Leading with Heart, Skill, and Spiritual Depth (2025 Alleluia Conference)
This session will explore what it means to be a pastoral musician—someone who not only leads music but also shepherds people, nurtures faith, and fosters a worshiping community. Drawing from Randall Bradley’s lifetime of experience, the session will offer insights into the role of a church musician as a spiritual leader, mentor, and
Karen Gosselin – Early Bird Activities (2025 Alleluia Conference)
They keep straggling in! Come learn some great ideas that teach the children to learn but others can join right on in! Wear your sneakers…we will be moving and just might be sitting on the floor!
Jeff Barnett, Jordan Greer, and Kent Morris – Lights, Sound, Stewardship: Budgeting for Major Tech Upgrades (2025 Alleluia Conference)
This session dives into practical strategies for creating a tech budget that reflects both your ministry’s mission and your congregation’s resources. Learn how to assess your current systems, prioritize needs vs. wants, and plan for future growth—all while stewarding finances responsibly. Whether you’re navigating a full AV overhaul or just trying to improve your livestream, this workshop will equip you to make confident, cost-effective choices that serve your church well.
Tuesday Worship Gathering (2025 Alleluia Conference)
Join us for the opening worship gathering at the 24th annual Alleluia Conference on the campus of Baylor University, July 22, 2025.
Kristina MacMullen – The Heart of the Artist (2024 Alleluia Conference)
Description: How are communities of artists unique? What are our concerns as leaders of these groups? What create a healthy work environment for highly sensitive people? How do we practice biblically based leadership? In this session, attendees will explore the...
Kristina MacMullen – Rehearsal Strategies and Rehearsal Mapping, Part 2 (2024 Alleluia Conference)
Description: This session is a continuation of Rehearsal Mapping 1. Rehearsal Mapping allows the conductor-teacher to prepare for rehearsal and to respond to the ensemble when things don’t go quite as planned. Participants will explore the distinction of planning vs....