Cliff Duren – Worship Band=Worship Leader – Discipling Your Worship Band (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Some of the most visible people in your church are the members of your worship band. They are typically on stage as much as your pastor! What is their role as a leader in the worship gathering and what is your role in preparing them to lead? Let’s talk about it in the Worship Band = Worship Leader session.
Shannan Baker – Pastor and Music Minister Communication (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Learning to Be “Bilingual”: Establishing Communication between Pastors and Music Leaders
Thursday Evening Worship (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Join us for the closing worship gathering at Alleluia 2021. Led by Dr. Randall Bradley and students from Baylor’s School of Music. Pastor, Les Hollon, preacher.
Jake Mulder – Understanding and Empowering Young People in Worship (2021 Alleluia Conference)
As adult leaders, many of us end up confused or frustrated with how different today’s young people are than when we were their age. How do we help young people lead? This session will offer practical advice of understanding and empowering young people.
Jeff Barnett & Kent Morris – Lighting 101 (2021 Alleluia Conference)
A technology session presented at the 2021 virtual Alleluia Conference by members of the Sweetwater team.
Jake Mulder – Changing Worship Styles Without a Fight (2021 Alleluia Conference)
When it comes to a church’s worship services, “change” is likely to be one of people’s least favorite words. This session will provide strategies for leading changes in worship style without a fight.
Bob Avant and David Harris – Open Q&A for Handbells (2021 Alleluia Conference)
This open Q & A session allows the participants to tap the combined 80+ years of handbell ringing and handbell leadership by these two presenters.
Jake Mulder – The Implications of Song Selection (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Our research reveals today’s young people are drawn to churches that take Jesus’ message seriously. This session will unpack what that means and the implications for how we select songs, plan our liturgy, and consider holistic faith formation for all generations.
Jan Kraybill – Week by Week: Tips for Efficient Rehearsal (2021 Alleluia Conference)
One of the challenges for any church musician is the need to have new music ready every week, with limited rehearsal time in the midst of busy lives and other responsibilities. There is never enough time! This workshop will offer tips and tricks to make your practice more efficient, less stressful, and more enjoyable.
Jeff Barnett & Kent Morris – Lessons from Behind the Mixer (2021 Alleluia Conference)
A technology session presented at the 2021 virtual Alleluia Conference by members of the Sweetwater team.
Randall Bradley – Leading Through Difficulty-My Go-To Practices (2021 Alleluia Conference)
When leading through difficult times, it is important to have time-tested practices to which we can turn. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested all of us in ways in which our old maps have not sufficed. Having also dealt with the death of my wife during the same time period, these practices have become even more important.
Brad Nix – Ten Piano Accompanying Archetypes (2021 Alleluia Conference)
More than ever before, the contemporary worship accompanist must be familiar with a wide variety of styles. In this session, Brad will introduce you to ten accompaniment “archetypes” that you need to know!
Bob Avant and David Harris – Musicality in Handbells (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Using several pieces of handbell literature as examples, the presenters will demonstrate possibilities for increased musicality with what we offer to our congregations and audiences. We will focus on score study, creative use of handbell techniques, and unique musicality topics related to our instrument.
Joseph Martin – The Write Stuff (2021 Alleluia Conference)
A composing workshop combining inspiration with aspiration. The session will cover creating and crafting choral and instrumental resources for the worshipping church.
Jake Mulder – The Dark Side of Intergenerational Worship (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Intergenerational worship is a popular trend today. Which means it’s always a good idea…right? Not so fast. In this session, learn more about the dark side of intergenerational worship and best practices for doing it well.
Bob Avant – Making Excellent Rehearsals Happen with Level 1-3 Music (2021 Alleluia Conference)
How do you make the most of the precious rehearsal minutes you have with your handbell group? We’ll discuss thorough planning before the rehearsal, efficient execution of the plan with strong leadership during the rehearsal, and analysis after the rehearsal. We will also discuss how to approach problem solving for some of the more difficult passages using Level 1-3 music.
David Harris – Making Excellent Rehearsals Happen with Level 3-5 (2021 Alleluia Conference)
How do you make the most of the precious rehearsal minutes you have with your handbell group? We’ll discuss thorough planning before the rehearsal, efficient execution of the plan with strong leadership during the rehearsal, and analysis after the rehearsal. We will also discuss how to approach problem solving for some of the more difficult passages using Level 3-5 music.
Bob Avant- Understanding Improvement in Handbells (2021 Alleluia Conference)
As musicians, we have training and experience in what it takes to make improvements on our main instrument/voice. While there were classes to guide skills development on that from public education through college and perhaps beyond, there was not the same emphasis available on how to develop the handbell or any other type of ensemble.
David Harris – Starting a Handbell Ensemble (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Are you thinking of getting involved with handbells, and not sure where to start? This class will explore the equipment needed, ringing fundamentals, damping, handbell exercises, assignments, and beginning handbell techniques.
Cliff Duren – Worship Band Sound Check…and Why It’s So Important (2021 Alleluia Conference)
If you can’t hear the right things, you probably won’t play the right things either! In the Band Sound Check session, we’ll talk about the different options for monitoring and what each band member needs to hear in order to play well with the rest of their team.
Jake Mulder – Growing Young Together: Discover Churches Young People Love (2021 Alleluia Conference)
The average church in the US is shrinking and aging. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are hundreds, or even thousands, that are thriving in their ministry with younger generations. Discover what these growing churches do – and how they worship – different
David Harris – Essential Techniques and How to Teach Them (2021 Alleluia Conference)
The focus in this session is on the teaching strategies for every known one-bell handbell technique, starting with the proper ringing stroke. This session is appropriate for both beginning handbell ringers/directors as well as those who may need a refresher on some of the more obscure techniques.
Jan Kraybill – Singing Poetry-Encouraging Enthusiastic Congregational Song (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Authors and composers of congregational music have given us rich expressions with which to shape and renew our faith and help us form connections with God and with each other. But our congregations will only get the message if they pay attention to the texts they sing! In this workshop we’ll discuss how best to help our worshiping communities sing this poetry with appreciation, artistry, and enthusiasm.
Molly Ijames – Accompanying the Congregation (2021 Alleluia Conference)
This session will explore the intricacies of playing with skill, thrill, and frill. Join Molly for this session on appropriately and tastefully accompanying from the keyboard.
Bob Avant – Advanced Techniques and How to Teach Them (2021 Alleluia Conference)
This session will explore techniques used by more experienced handbell ringers. Some of the subjects we’ll discuss include low bass bells, multiple-bell techniques, bell passing, weaving, and if time, several of the more ‘rare’ handbell techniques.
Jon Snyder & Breck McGough – Choral Songs and Choirs
Join doctoral students Jon Snyder and Breck McGough as they present their research related to choirs and choral music.
Sandy Knudson – Creating Community with Collaboration
The clinician will share programming ideas that build community, including use of themes, artistic collaborations, visual elements, video projects and intergenerational invitations.
Terry Taylor – Teaching Off the Wall (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Visuals and manipulatives add lots of vitality to our rehearsals. Let’s discuss creative ideas to incorporate visuals (both hard copy and digital) and manipulatives that will add sparkle to your choir sessions and make learning fun and easy. (Target: mixed age groups)
Terry York – The First Notes After a Long Silence (2021 Alleluia Conference)
This session will explore what we discovered during the “Lockdown” concerning the ministry of choirs and choral music in the life of the church.
Randy Edwards – CUEcoach Changes the Landscape for Early Choral Learning (2021 Alleluia Conference)
YouthCUE’s ground-breaking new resource, CUEcoach provides exciting possibilities for providing students basic knowledge and training for their participation in student choir. Creator and teacher Dr. Jonathan Rodgers joins the discussion to provide insights into how to gain the best benefits from this new teaching concept.
Angela Leonhardt – Let Imagination Bloom (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Think beyond the rehearsal. Explore easy art integration strategies to help students become learners, problem solvers and artists. Mixed age groups explore a bible story for presentation using visual, kinestic and aural arts. (Target mixed age groups)
Jeff Barnett & Kent Morris – Improving Your Live Stream (2021 Alleluia Conference)
A technology session presented at the 2021 virtual Alleluia Conference by members of the Sweetwater team.
Andre Thomas – Way Over in Beulah Lan’ (2021 Alleluia Conference)
The session is an in-depth look at the history of the spiritual, performance practice, and the arrangers.
Cliff Duren – Teaching Your Worship Band a Song (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Should worship band members be able to read music? What kind of charts are most helpful for your worship band? What is the best way to give them all the details while avoiding page turns? We’ll answer these questions and more in the Teaching Your Worship Band a Song session.
Randy Edwards – The Inspiration Comes from Our Students Themselves (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Randy Edwards guides a panel of sharp and diverse teenagers as they engage in a rich conversation about their choral experiences. The content of this discussion will touch our heads as well as our hearts as we hear how young lives are changed and enriched for the better through the choral arts we directors provide them.
Terry Taylor – Reawakening the Quarantined Voice (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Singing voices may have been mostly dormant for the past 18 months. Let’s explore some engaging ways to help children rediscover beautiful and healthy voices as we reawaken the joy of singing. (Target: mixed age groups)
Brad Nix – Artisanship Arranging for the Piano (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Take your piano arranging skills to the next level with this informative session. Topics will include creating beautiful keyboard textures, modulations, introductions, and endings.
Maria Monteiro – The Silent and Powerful World of Visual Arts (2021 Alleluia Conference)
This session is an invitation for us to consider the potential benefits of including the silent and powerful world of visual arts in worship.
Jan Kraybill – Beginning Organ Improvisation for Service-players (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Every worship organist has encountered needs to improvise: the offering or communion takes longer than anticipated, a fanfare is needed for a processional hymn, the bridal party is running behind, variety is needed for a multi-stanza hymn, the anthem was originally written for piano. This workshop will explore easy ways to begin and build upon your improvisation toolkit.
Angela Leonhardt – Is it Singing or Croaking? (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Simple tools, tips and tricks to help the youngest singers find their voice and build beautiful tone. Rhyming texts, silly stories and imagination run wild as we use all the senses for active learning. (Target Pre-K – younger elementary).
Kimberly Ingram – Musicals and Scripture Drama (2021 Alleluia Conference)
We’ll share strategies for easy-breezy, no-stress auditions, engaging and FUN rehearsals, and quick but memorable drama “add-ons” for your church anthem performances. We’ll also talk strategies for giving EVERY child a chance to shine.
Terry Taylor – Ministering to Children: A Pandemic Perspective (2021 Alleluia Conference)
As we emerge from lockdowns and quarantines, we are cautiously optimistic about the promise of a new normal. Let’s discuss how we can best support children in the process and bring renewed energy and perspectives to our children’s choir ministry. (Target: mixed age groups)
Terry Taylor – Keep on Singing: Short Stories, Tall Truths (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Keep on Singing: Short Stories, Tall Truths Curriculum [back to top] Growing in Grace is pleased to present its latest curriculum with all new songs and content. Learn about this theme year that offers digital/video resources adaptable for distance learning, all essential print materials for in-person teaching, and professionally printed poster kits. (Target: Ages Four and Five)
Kimberly Ingram – Sing Me A Song of Scripture (2021 Alleluia Conference)
For many children, church choir rehearsal might be their only exposure to Scripture all week! Let’s talk about strategies to engage our young singers in Scripture, using rhythm games, audiation, music, and creative devotionals.
Sandy Knudson – Building Beautiful Tone with Young Singers (2021 Alleluia Conference)
The clinician will share tips and tricks to foster beautiful tone, using canons and favorite pieces. Examples will be shared for the youngest (Pre-K/K) through elementary age and middle school. In addition, participants will learn how to build good choral habits with young singers, use spot practicing in rehearsal, and how to successfully ask for help. Finally, the clinician will address ways to help young singers “buy in” or take ownership of their repertoire and musical skills.
Angela Leonhardt – A Story, A Song-Come Play Along (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Using Bible stories and children’s literature sing, say, dance and play to channel students sense of curiosity while supporting your choir curriculum. (Target Pre-K – younger elementary).
Randy Edwards – Sensitizing Our Student Choirs Towards Inclusivity (2021 Alleluia Conference)
The pandemic months have uncovered a number of knotty issues related to racial equality and social justice. In this session, Randy Edwards pulls together a distinguished group of panelists who will help us wade through the challenges and celebrate the joys of becoming a truly hospitable group of singers.
Kimberly Ingram – Snap, Wiggle, Pop! (2021 Alleluia Conference)
These games, activities, and strategies will make church choir productive and fun for our energetic elementary singers!
Terry Taylor – Keep on Singing: Short Stories, Tall Truths Curriculum (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Growing in Grace is pleased to present its latest curriculum with all new songs and content. Learn about this theme year that offers digital/video resources adaptable for distance learning, all essential print materials for in-person teaching, and professionally printed poster kits. (Target: Grades 1-6)