ANNUAL CONFERENCE

GROUP DISCUSSION

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" [with apologies to the English punk band, The Clash]

We’ve all had (or are having) times in ministry where we’re not quite sure if we have the energy to adapt and reinvest where we are, or it makes sense to relocate and start over with a renewed commitment.  We know there is no perfect place, no perfect fit.  Sometimes we can adapt and discover a second wind. But then there are times we need to dust the dirt off our sandals.  But when?  And how do we thrive in the meantime? A group of five facilitators will lead this discussion.

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JEFFEREY AMES

"Adapting Choral Artistry to the Church Choir"

We love to make music with a choir.  We love the pursuit of that magical moment, that holy harmony. But can we achieve choral artistry with a church choir? How do we adapt principles of choral artistry to our context as pastoral musicians? Jeffery Ames will outline some new tools for your choral artistry toolbox.

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PANEL DISCUSSION

"Saying Goodbye and Adapting to a New Position"

We will hear from some several colleagues who have recently moved from one position to another to begin again.  How do you say good-bye well (for your sake and for the sake of the church you leave)? How do you adapt to a new situation as you build relational capital? What should you pay attention to the first 100 days?

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JEFFEREY AMES

"Performance Practices of the Negro Spiritual"

Dr. Ames will teach what stylistic nuances are integral to an authentic performance of a spiritual.  If we are to perform this music in worship we ought to give it the same respect and attention in terms of performance practice we would give to the music of Handel or Bach (Roger Holland). This session will also touch on the current debate on whether performing spirituals is “appropriate or cultural appropriation.”

SUSAN DEAL, DOUG HANEY, TIM SHARP

"The Harmony Project—What We're Learning"

This past summer Susan and Tim interviewed 25 church musicians asking them what they need to thrive. This is phase one of The Harmony Project, a research initiative of Polyphony.  Susan, Doug and Tim will share a summary of what we’re learning and how this information will shape Polyphony going forward.

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DIANA SANCHEZ-BUSHONG

"Worship Resources for Worship Planners"

Diana Sanchez-Bushong will explore worship planning resources such as the Prepare worship planner; Discipleship Ministries website and Calvin Institute for Worship. Dr. Sanchez-Bushon is the Executive Director of Worship Ministries and Director of Music Ministries at Discipleship Ministries, an agency of the United Methodist Church. She has served in several churches and at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, where she worked with the Hymnal Revision Committee to develop The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989.