A daylong event for music directors, choir members, instrumentalists, ministers, worship committee members, seminary and college students to improve skills, find inspiration and network with colleagues.
Four workshop sessions will be led by stellar faculty from up and down the East Coast.
Jodi Hitzhusen of Boston, MA will demonstrate World Music and creative instrumental accompaniments. Jodi is a classically-trained soprano and pianist, commissioned composer, worship leader and inspiring teacher whose music has taken her around the world. She currently serves as the music director for First Worship, an inter-generational, participatory service at the Wellesley Village Congregational Church in Wellesley, MA. Jodi specializes in implementing songs and responses from a variety of musical styles and re-energizing traditional music.
Elizabeth Kluegel-Niblock of Arlington, VA will review vocal techniques for choir singers that will help preserve vocal health and enhance singing. As a soprano, she performs frequently in opera, concert and recital settings around the U.S. Elizabeth’s passion and focus on the developing adolescent/teen singer and the aging voice is central to both her choral conducting and her teaching. She enjoys working with singers ranging in age from 12 to 70+. She is the director of music at Rock Spring Congregational UCC church in Arlington.
Dr. Norma Raybon of Atlanta, GA will address rehearsal skills for choir directors. She has a D.M.A. in choral conducting from the University of Iowa and has served on the faculties of Spelman College, University of South Florida and State University of New York. She is the director of the chancel and bell choirs of the First Congregational Church of Atlanta and is well-known throughout Georgia as a choral conductor.
Randy Elkins, Director of Music at Virginia-Highland Church, will share creative worship planning concepts. He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in organ performance and church music from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In addition to his position at Virginia-Highland Church, Randy is chapel organist for the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He performs extensively as an organist and teaches piano, guitar, organ, woodwinds and voice.
Rev. Matt Laney, Senior Pastor of Virginia Highland Church, will preach at the closing worship service. He previously served churches in Vermont, Michigan and Connecticut. He is a regular contributor to the UCC’s Daily Devotional and sits on their editorial board. He is also the author of the new faith-based fantasy series, Pride Wars: The Spinner Prince, the first in a trilogy.
Registration includes all sessions and lunch.
Open to all denominations.
SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m.
Registration
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
World Music and Creative Instrumental Accompaniments
Jodi Hitzhusen
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Vocal Techniques for Choir Singers
Elizabeth Kluegel-Niblock
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Rehearsal Skills for Choir Directors
Dr. Norma Raybon
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Creative Worship Planning
Randy Elkins
4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Worship
Randy Elkins and Rev. Matt Laney
5:00 p.m.
Good-bye!
Additional Info and Terms
- If you need an invoice to pay by check, select that option in the registration process. You will be automatically issued an invoice by EMAIL so be sure to check your inbox. Invoices will NOT be sent by postal mail.
- Registrations may be cancelled and fees refunded up to ten days before the event (August 15). No refunds can be given after that date. To cancel a registration, log in to your event account using the password that was emailed to you. When you cancel your registration, a credit will be issued to your account. An administrator will apply that credit to your credit card within ten days. If you haven’t received your credit, contact admin@uccma.org. If you paid by check, one will be mailed to you.
- Online registration is encouraged, but if you prefer a paper registration form, download one here.
- Virginia-Highland Church is partially, but not fully, accessible to the disabled. If this is a concern, call the church for more information at (404) 348-4830.
- Photos and/or videos may be taken during the event. Your registration grants permission for your participation to be recorded and published by authorized event staff.
- For questions on all other matters, contact Randy Elkins at workshop@vhchurch.org or (404) 348-4830.
Overnight Stay
Those needing a hotel can consider the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Midtown, 97 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Accommodations are on your own.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Join UCCMA!
If you would like to take advantage of the discount rate for UCCMA members, consider joining us! Register on the membership page, pay by credit card, and you'll have instant access to member rates. After signing up, be sure to return to the events page to register for the workshop. These are two separate transactions.