C-N to hold “Text and Tunes” church music conference

^{Dr. Eric Thorson (left),  C-N professor of music, reviews conference scheduling with Dr. Clark Measels, director of C-N’s Ball Institute of Church Music.}

Carson-Newman’s Ball Institute for Church Music will draw leading hymnists and worship leaders from both sides of the Atlantic for its 2013 Conference, Text and Tunes for Today’s Church. The conference, scheduled for February 7-8, will assist worship leaders in examining songs and music selected for congregational worship.

The two-day event will feature such notable singers, song writers, and recording artists as Dr. Constance Cherry, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Graham Kendrick, and Dr. Noel Tredinnick. Each will serve as conference leaders, leading worship times throughout the conference. The event will also feature Dr. Paul Clark, director of worship and music ministries for the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Dr. Clark Measels, director of C-N’s Ball Institute of Church Music, describes the opportunity to have such leaders as “a blessing.”

“All of the leaders who are involved with this are also involved in organizing worship and selecting materials for worship,” said Measels. “We will be looking at several worship concepts throughout the event.”

Measels also explained how he anticipates the conference will help those who organize worship.

“I have always thought that the person choosing hymns on Sunday are putting words in the mouth of the congregation,” said the C-N music professor. “If you are choosing the things they are going to say and the ideas that are presented in particular hymns, then the selection process takes on a whole new level of importance. It can fit with the worship plan or be in conflict with it,” explained Measles. “This conference is about assisting worship leaders in in making such decisions.”

Along with worship services, the event will offer breakout sessions and panel discussions led by the featured conference leaders.

The cost for the two-day event is $50, which includes meals. There will be a concert by Graham Kendrick and Noel Tredinnick on Thursday in Thomas Recital Hall, followed by a Friday concert featuring the Gettys in First Baptist Church. Both concerts are at 7:00 p.m. and are free to the public. Space for the conference and concerts is limited.

For more information visit www.cn.edu/ballinstitute, or call 865-471-3480.

Endowed in 2000 by the late James and Dorothy Penn, the Louis and Mary Charlotte Ball Institute for Church Music honors former C-N Dean of Fine Arts Dr. Louis Ball and his late wife Mary Charlotte, both having served many years in C-N’s Music Department.

Conference Leaders include:

Constance Cherry

A professor of worship and pastoral ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University, Dr. Cherry is the author of several books, articles and hymn texts. An international speaker and teacher, she brings experience in Christian worship, church music, and spiritual formation.

Keith and Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty are Irish singer/songwriters and recording artists who are best known for their recording “In Christ Alone.” Penned by Keith and Stuart Townsend, the classic has been recorded by such artists as Owl City, Natalie Grant and Newsboys. The Gettys have shared their music at such events as Franklin Graham crusades, the GMA Dove Awards, as well as performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Grand Ole Opry.

Graham Kendrick

Described as a “father of modern worship music,” Kendrick has been on the forefront of Christian music in the UK for more than 30 years. He has written and recorded such songs as “Shine Jesus Shine”, “Knowing You”, “The Servant King”, and “Amazing Love.”

Noel Tredinnick

Tredinnick serves as director of music at London’s All Souls Church where he has been since 1972. He has conducted and lectured throughout the U.S. and Australia. In 1995 he was invited by The Billy Graham Organization to serve as music leader and conductor for Mission Ontario at Toronto’s SkyDome.