SCMW spring choral concert provides time of worship
The School of Church Music and Worship celebrated the approaching end of the academic year with an end of the semester concert featuring Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas Baptist College, and Southwestern Music Academy choirs on April 9.
“This is really one of my favorite concerts of the entire year,” SCMW Dean Joe Crider said as he welcomed those in attendance, adding he considers it a blessing that Southwestern has five active choirs led by faculty and staff.
“… There is something incredibly special and I believe sacred about the human voice when it is used for its greatest purpose through music – to glorify our Triune God.”
The concert included a variety of worship and classical songs sung by the TBC choir directed by Sarah Shannon, Southwestern A Cappella directed by Marc Brown, Southwestern Women’s Choir directed by Kristen Patrick, the SMA children’s choir directed by Nelly Juarez and Jihye Cheon, and the Southwestern Singers and Southwestern Men’s Choir directed by Ben Caston.
“Community choirs are making a comeback all across America, and we are seeing more churches realize the worship leading effectiveness of choirs during Sunday morning worship,” Crider said. “Our choirs at Southwestern are providing wonderful artistic experiences that will stay with our students the rest of their lives.”
Luke Hannah, a Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music student from Richland, Miss., said the spring choral concert has always been a wonderful experience in his six years as a master’s and now doctoral student at Southwestern.
“This concert represents a large part of the family at the School of Church Music and Worship,” Hannah said. “The opportunity for students to sing their faith is always powerful and this concert provides a way for students to perform what they have been working on while also declaring their faith to their loved ones and friends.”
Marc Brown, assistant professor of church music and worship and director of Southwestern A Cappella, said he witnessed all the work that students put in during the preparation for the concert, and said he is very proud of the students for their hours of personal and corporate practice.
“What a treat it was to hear all six of the choirs representing the School of Church Music and Worship present their Spring Concert for 2026,” Brown said. “The musical quality and passion of our singers for worshiping Christ has never been higher.”
Shanchuiphy Keishing, a Master of Music in Church Music student from the Tangkhul tribe of India, expressed gratitude to the teachers and conductors who she said lead with excellence and treat their students with kindness and respect. She added it was a blessing to participate in and listen to the other choral groups, from the children to the more experienced ensembles.
“There’s something incredibly special about many different voices blending together — creating rich harmonies, carrying deep emotions, and delivering a powerful message,” Keishing said. “Choir isn’t just singing; it’s a testimony and a Gospel proclamation that touches both believers and those who have yet to know Christ. In those moments on stage, I caught a beautiful glimpse of heaven on earth. I could imagine that glorious day when Christ returns and people from every tribe, tongue, and nation — including my own Tangkhul people — join with the angels in endless praise.”
The evening of music was attended by students, faculty, Southwestern families, and prospective students on campus to participate in the Preview Day held on April 10. Crider also took time to thank President David S. Dockery for his support of the SCMW and recognize Alan Lott, professor of music history, who will retire this spring after 40 years of teaching at Southwestern.
“Our School of Church Music and Worship faculty are committed to expanding the musical and artistic vocabularies of all our students, and their engagement in our choral program is essential for their musical, ministry, and spiritual development,” Crider said.
