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2027 Worship & Music Conference Classes
Click on the class instructor's name to be directed to their faculty bio.
Adult Classes
CEU indicates that a course or session can be counted for Continuing Education Units.
PAM Cert indicates that a course or session counts toward specific requirements of PAM Certification.
IG indicates that a course or session is an intergenerational offering.
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*All classes will be offered daily unless otherwise noted.
Adult Bible: Paul, Circumcision, and Baptism
While affirming circumcision and baptism as covenantal rituals across generations, this class examines how Paul contrasts them, focusing on baptism as the site where new creation is bodily enacted.
CEU, PAM Cert I.3​​​​​​
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Adult Chamber Choir*
This auditioned ensemble rehearses twice daily, Monday through Thursday, and sings periodically during the week, including the evening Chamber Concert. Auditions take place during Sunday Check-In and following opening worship. Those selected must purchase a music packet from the on-site store before the first rehearsal. If you are 18–20 years of age, you are invited to audition for the Senior High Chamber Choir OR the Adult Chamber Choir, but not both.
PAM Cert IV.1
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Adult Choir
All choirs rehearse twice daily to prepare for singing in worship and the Friday concert.
PAM Cert IV.1
​
Art Workshop: Visual Proclamation - Digital
This course will test our creativity in digital space, exploring the expansive ways that technology can be used in visual proclamation. Bring your own tech devices and pictures of your church group.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1, IG
​
Art Workshop: Visual Proclamation - Hands On
This course will offer a hands-on deep dive into the Bible-to-banner process wherein we will engage the sacred space through visual proclamation. We will work in fabric and pastel, among other tangible art media.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1, IG
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Children in the New Testament
Children are everywhere in the world within the New Testament, even when largely invisible; indeed, Christian theology could scarcely have taken shape without the language of childhood. How do children’s portrayals and household codes in the New Testament construct a model of family relationships and the church as God’s household, deepening our understanding of the relationships among God, Jesus the Child, and God’s children?
CEU, PAM Cert I.3
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Choral Reading Sessions*
Celebrating Grace, Choristers Guild, MorningStar Press, and St. James Press
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
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Family Choir*
For conferees of any age, just as churches often find themselves offering multigenerational choirs. We will look at ways to rehearse and nurture ensembles: for those who do not read music, for those who do, with music that is adaptable, divergent, and strong. This choir will prepare music to offer in worship.
PAM Cert IV.1, IG
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
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Folk Ensemble
Open to all vocalists and instrumentalists, the ensemble will craft creative arrangements of hymns, spirituals, global music, and contemporary worship songs. There will be opportunities to lead music throughout the conference.
PAM Cert IV.1
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Growing Faith in Worship
Melissa McNair-King & Sally Ann McKinsey
Guided by PAM’s Child of Blessing program, we will explore best practices in leading worship for all ages. You will take home resources from each liturgical season to use or adapt for your own setting.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1
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Handbell Reading Session
Gillian Erlenborn & Karl Zinsmeister
Monday at 6:30 pm: Ring through selections chosen by both handbell clinicians.
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Handbells
Gillian Erlenborn & Karl Zinsmeister
Handbell participants must purchase a music packet from the on-site store before the first rehearsal.
​
Intro to Handbells/Handchimes*: Using handbells and handchimes, learn to read music in preparation
for ringing handbells (Music Level 1).
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
*The 2:30 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
Beginning Handbells: Handbell techniques for those who can already read music but are new to ringing
with limited handbell experience (Music Levels 1, 2).
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
Intermediate*: For those who have rung in bell choirs before and feel moderately proficient in reading
music and using most handbell techniques (Music Levels 2+, 3+).
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
*The 1:30 and 3:30 sections of this class meet Monday-Thursday
Advanced*: For those who ring regularly and feel confident in all handbell techniques and upper-level
performance (Music Levels 3+, 4+).
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
*The 4:30 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
Advanced (auditioned)*: For experienced and proficient ringers (Music Levels 4, 5). Auditions take place
during Sunday Check-In hours.
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
Service Handbell Choir: Daily rehearsals will prepare for participation in services Monday to Friday and the Hymn Festival. The ensemble will share peals, ostinato patterns, hymn introductions, liturgy accompaniments, and other creative uses of bells. Minimum of one year ringing experience and ability to read music.
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1
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Instrumental Ensembles
These ensembles provide opportunities for instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
​
Intergenerational Drama
Explore The Greatest Story Ever Told through theater games and storytelling applicable to worship and fellowship in your home church. Class members participate in worship leadership during the conference.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1, IG
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Music and Theater in Small Churches
Using the all-hands-on-deck spirit of small churches, this class explores intergenerational music and drama for worship. Gain practical strategies for meaningful storytelling using limited resources.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1
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Organ 360: Recruiting, Adapting, Surviving*
This organ class will offer practical tools and strategies for organists—three days and three different topics.
Tuesday: Kids at the Console: Tools and Tips for Getting Kids Excited About the Organ
Wednesday: One Instrument, Many Voices: Adapting Any Style on the Organ
Thursday: Sunday Morning Survival Skills—converting piano/orchestral scores for organ, quick fixes, and other practical tools for organists
CEU, PAM Cert I.1, IG
*This class meets Tuesday-Thursday at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to BMPC.
​
Percussion
Explore the history of rhythms across the world! In this 50-minute class, we will learn the history and origins of famous rhythms—and how to play them!
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
​
The Piano in Worship
The piano is a worship instrument both similar to and different from the organ. We will explore different ways the piano is an instrument of worship leadership. Topics will include adapting hymns into piano textures, gospel piano techniques, and improvisation.
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
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Preaching at a Crossroad
How do we faithfully proclaim hope, truth, and presence when the unexpected happens? How do we speak with integrity when our congregations carry stories of disaster, displacement, or uncertainty?
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Professional Development
Will You Serve with Energy, Intelligence, Imagination, and Love?
Using the PC(USA) ordination question as a guide, this professional development course explores worship and music ministry through energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.
CEU, PAM Cert II.1
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The Resourceful Organist*
Unlock your music ministry potential with creative techniques for beginners. Master hymnody through curated resources, adapt piano scores to organ with ease, and select service music that resonates.
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Routley Lectures
The lectures will explore the essential diversity of Christian congregational song
CEU, PAM Cert I.1
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Service Playing with Guitar*
Have you ever tried to adapt a hymn for guitar or nontraditional instruments? This workshop explores tips and tricks for turning Beethoven into bluegrass, all while encouraging congregational singing.
CEU, PAM Cert IV.1, IG
*The 8:00 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Talking to Each Other
In these days, can we still find Spirit-led ways—speech, song, witness, discernment—to talk to one another? Our conference Co-Liturgist, a former Co-Moderator of the PC(USA), leads this discussion on the challenges, gifts, and necessities of faithful conversations for the sake of the God who is “our dwelling place in all generations.”
CEU, PAM Cert II.1, IG
​
Technology in Worship
Join us for a conversation about enhancing worship with tech. Whether in a small church or a larger one, whether starting a new service or updating an existing one, learn practical audiovisual tools that turn technical stress into a window for the Word.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1, IG
​
Worship Reflections
Worship Planning Team
What do we see, hear, and encounter in conference worship? The conference preacher, liturgists, artist, and musicians share conversations and questions with conferees to explore how the daily services are crafted and experienced. These reflections also help us think imaginatively about worship in our own contexts and the ways conference ideas can go home with conferees.
CEU, PAM Cert I.1
Senior High Classes
Art Workshop: Visual Proclamation - Digital
This course will test our creativity in digital space, exploring the expansive ways that technology can be used in visual proclamation. Bring your own tech devices and pictures of your church group.
IG
​
Art Workshop: Visual Proclamation - Hands On
This course will offer a hands-on deep dive into the Bible-to-banner process wherein we will engage the sacred space through visual proclamation. We will work in fabric and pastel, among other tangible art media.
IG​
​
Family Choir*
For conferees of any age, just as churches often find themselves offering multigenerational choirs. We will look at ways to rehearse and nurture ensembles: for those who do not read music, for those who do, with music that is adaptable, divergent, and strong. This choir will prepare music to offer in worship.
IG
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​​
Handbells
Gillian Erlenborn & Karl Zinsmeister
Handbell participants must purchase a music packet from the on-site store before the first rehearsal.
​
Intro to Handbells/Handchimes*: Using handbells and handchimes, learn to read music in preparation
for ringing handbells (Music Level 1).
IG
*The 2:30 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
Beginning Handbells: Handbell techniques for those who can already read music but are new to ringing
with limited handbell experience (Music Levels 1, 2).
IG
Intermediate*: For those who have rung in bell choirs before and feel moderately proficient in reading
music and using most handbell techniques (Music Levels 2+, 3+).
IG
*The 1:30 and 3:30 sections of this class meet Monday-Thursday
Advanced*: For those who ring regularly and feel confident in all handbell techniques and upper-level
performance (Music Levels 3+, 4+).
IG
*The 4:30 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Instrumental Ensembles
These ensembles provide opportunities for instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.
IG
​
Intergenerational Drama
Explore The Greatest Story Ever Told through theater games and storytelling applicable to worship and fellowship in your home church. Class members participate in worship leadership during the conference.
IG​
​
Organ 360: Recruiting, Adapting, Surviving*
This organ class will offer practical tools and strategies for organists—three days and three different topics.
Tuesday: Kids at the Console: Tools and Tips for Getting Kids Excited About the Organ
Wednesday: One Instrument, Many Voices: Adapting Any Style on the Organ
Thursday: Sunday Morning Survival Skills—converting piano/orchestral scores for organ, quick fixes, and other practical tools for organists
IG
*This class meets Tuesday-Thursday at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to BMPC.
​
Percussion
Explore the history of rhythms across the world! In this 50-minute class, we will learn the history and origins of famous rhythms—and how to play them!
IG
​
The Piano in Worship
The piano is a worship instrument both similar to and different from the organ. We will explore different ways the piano is an instrument of worship leadership. Topics will include adapting hymns into piano textures, gospel piano techniques, and improvisation.
IG​​
​
The Resourceful Organist*
Unlock your music ministry potential with creative techniques for beginners. Master hymnody through curated resources, adapt piano scores to organ with ease, and select service music that resonates.
IG​
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​​
Senior High Chamber Choir*
This auditioned ensemble rehearses twice daily, Monday through Thursday, and sings in worship and the evening Chamber Concert. Auditions take place during Sunday Check-In and following opening worship. Those selected must purchase a music packet from the on-site store prior to the first rehearsal. If you are 18–20 years of age, you are invited to audition for the Senior High Chamber Choir OR the Adult Chamber Choir, but not both.
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Senior High Choir
All choirs rehearse twice daily to prepare for singing in worship and the Friday concert.
​
Service Playing with Guitar*
Have you ever tried to adapt a hymn for guitar or nontraditional instruments? This workshop explores tips and tricks for turning Beethoven into bluegrass, all while encouraging congregational singing.
IG
*The 8:00 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Talking to Each Other
In these days, can we still find Spirit-led ways—speech, song, witness, discernment—to talk to one another? Our conference Co-Liturgist, a former Co-Moderator of the PC(USA), leads this discussion on the challenges, gifts, and necessities of faithful conversations for the sake of the God who is “our dwelling place in all generations.”
IG
​
Technology in Worship
Join us for a conversation about enhancing worship with tech. Whether in a small church or a larger one, starting a new service or updating an existing one, learn practical audiovisual tools that turn technical stress into a window for the Word.
IG
​
Youth Band
Open to all vocalists and instrumentalists, 6th through 12th grade, the ensemble will craft creative arrangements of hymns, spirituals, global music, and contemporary worship songs. There will be opportunities to lead music throughout the conference.
​
Youth Small Groups
Small Groups are a daily time for laughter, connection, and conversation as you get to know yourself, your faith, and your siblings in God. Senior High groups will be able to meet with conference Preacher CeCe Armstrong and Routley Lecturer John Bell.
Middler Classes
Family Choir*
For conferees of any age, just as churches often find themselves offering multigenerational choirs. We will look at ways to rehearse and nurture ensembles: for those who do not read music, for those who do, with music that is adaptable, divergent, and strong. This choir will prepare music to offer in worship.
IG
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Fun & Games
Montreat Summer Staff
Enjoy games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.
​​
Handbells
Gillian Erlenborn & Karl Zinsmeister
Handbell participants must purchase a music packet from the on-site store before the first rehearsal.
​
Intro to Handbells/Handchimes*: Using handbells and handchimes, learn to read music in preparation
for ringing handbells (Music Level 1).
IG
*The 2:30 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
Beginning Handbells: Handbell techniques for those who can already read music but are new to ringing
with limited handbell experience (Music Levels 1, 2).
IG
​
Instrumental Ensembles
These ensembles provide opportunities for instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.
IG
​
Intergenerational Drama
Explore The Greatest Story Ever Told through theater games and storytelling applicable to worship and fellowship in your home church. Class members participate in worship leadership during the conference.
IG​
​
Middler Choir
All choirs rehearse twice daily to prepare for singing in worship and the Friday concert.
​
Onstage with Worship Leadership
Hannah Garrity, Ahreum Congdon, Zach Light-Wells, Grier Richards, Shavon Starling-Louis, & CeCe Armstrong
On the Anderson Auditorium stage, Middlers will meet with conference worship leadership for up-close conversations. They will explore how leaders work with art, instruments, table, font, and room.​
​
Percussion
Explore the history of rhythms across the world! In this 50-minute class, we will learn the history and origins of famous rhythms—and how to play them!
IG​​​
​
The Resourceful Organist*
Unlock your music ministry potential with creative techniques for beginners. Master hymnody through curated resources, adapt piano scores to organ with ease, and select service music that resonates.
IG​​​
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Service Playing with Guitar*
Have you ever tried to adapt a hymn for guitar or nontraditional instruments? This workshop explores tips and tricks for turning Beethoven into bluegrass, all while encouraging congregational singing.
IG​​
*The 8:00 section of this class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Youth Band
Open to all vocalists and instrumentalists, 6th through 12th grade, the ensemble will craft creative arrangements of hymns, spirituals, global music, and contemporary worship songs. There will be opportunities to lead music throughout the conference.
​
Youth Small Groups
Small Groups are a daily time for laughter, connection, and conversation as you get to know yourself, your faith, and your siblings in God.
Children's Classes
Children's Classes
Clark Campbell-Taylor, Leigh Campbell-Taylor, Kelly Gold, Wil Smith, & James Wells
Children will experience a fluid and interactive schedule that integrates choir, worship, drama, instrumental music, and fun and games. This new model is intentionally designed to engage children through creative, hands-on learning opportunities that accommodate diverse learning styles.
Family Choir*
For conferees of any age, just as churches often find themselves offering multigenerational choirs. We will look at ways to rehearse and nurture ensembles: for those who do not read music, for those who do, with music that is adaptable, divergent, and strong. This choir will prepare music to offer in worship.
IG​​
*This class meets Monday-Thursday
​
Intergenerational Drama
Explore The Greatest Story Ever Told through theater games and storytelling applicable to worship and fellowship in your home church. Class members participate in worship leadership during the conference.
IG​​​
​
Percussion
Explore the history of rhythms across the world! In this 50-minute class, we will learn the history and origins of famous rhythms—and how to play them!
IG​​​​​
Interest Sessions
Week 1​​​​​
Keeping Seniors Singing
10:00 am Monday
As church choirs age, directors face new opportunities and challenges. Learn practical rehearsal strategies, healthy vocal techniques, and thoughtful programming to help older adults adapt to their changing voices and continue leading worship with confidence for years to come.
Rescoring the Rehearsal
4:30 pm Monday
Every rehearsal teaches who belongs. In this participatory session, church musicians learn to uncover hidden barriers in our rehearsals, “rescore” a ministry scenario, and design multiple pathways for learning, contributing, leading, and making music together.
​
Leading Beyond the Lectionary
Dillon Swanson & Andrew Whaley
10:00 am Tuesday
Explore collaborative worship planning beyond the cycles of the Revised Common Lectionary, with a particular focus on shaping a congregation’s identity and mission.
​
When Memory Fades: How to Keep Voices Singing
4:30 pm Tuesday
Learn how to adapt your choir to accommodate adults dealing with brain change, dementia, and cognitive decline to keep everyone singing together.
​
Come Fold with Me!
10:00 am Wednesday
Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, invites us into a practice of patience, creativity, and quiet focus. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to fold a paper crane—a symbol of hope and peace—through simple, step-by-step guidance.
​
Praise Beyond Words: Singing Through the AIDS Crisis
4:30 pm Wednesday
What can today’s church musicians learn from the HIV/AIDS crisis? Through the sacred music of composer Chris DeBlasio (1959–1993), this session explores how lament, hope, and praise equip congregations to sing faithfully through suffering.
​
Voices of Resistance
10:00 am Thursday
This session explores hymns of resistance, both new and old, whose theology refutes the heresy of Christian nationalism.
​
The Neuroscience of Practice
4:30 pm Thursday
Have you ever thought, “I need to get more done in less time. . . . I lose about half of what I practiced the previous day”? Our brains continue the results of practice offline, but too often, we work against ourselves. Learn to engage different parts of the brain for more secure performance.
​
Music as Spiritual Formation
10:00 am Friday
Music does more than express faith—it shapes it. Explore how listening, repetition, discipline, creativity, and community form both musicians and congregations, and discover practical ways music can deepen spiritual formation in worship and ministry.​​
Week 2​​​​​
Top 10 Lessons from a Church Merger
10:00 am Monday
Not a merger survival story, but a mission story. Through a lively Top 10 countdown, leaders from Bread of Life Presbyterian Church share lessons learned, surprises, and practical insights for congregations and presbyteries exploring intentional ministry partnerships.
​
American Sign Language in the Church
4:30 pm Monday
Learn how to properly incorporate American Sign Language into worship music, as well as tips for working with sign language interpreters.
​
Streaming Worship with Excellence
10:00 am Tuesday
The COVID pandemic of 2020 brought us into the live-streaming era of ministry. How can we be faithful to two congregations, both online and in person? This session explores best practices for online ministry.
​
The Formed Leader
4:30 pm Tuesday
Many of us first encountered Body, Mind, Spirit, and Voice through Helen Kemp’s beloved work, Of Primary Importance. The Formed Leader builds on that foundation, extending it into a lifelong framework for leadership development. Discover how inner formation shapes faithful, effective leadership.
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Preparing for Crucial Conversations
10:00 am Wednesday
The session explores the importance of preparing for fundamental conversations that restore communication when the persons involved have a difference of opinion, emotions are involved, and the stakes are high. How does one prepare for an effective dialogue that concludes with positive outcomes?
​
Ideas for the Less-Experienced Director
4:30 pm Wednesday
This session will assist less-experienced choir directors seeking to lead rehearsals more effectively and efficiently.
​
An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care
10:00 am Thursday
Trauma-informed voice care helps music professionals recognize how trauma and chronic stress shape learning, behavior, and vocal expression. This session explores power, embodiment, and choice while offering strategies for creating equitable, collaborative, and “safe enough” learning spaces.
​
Advent Hymns in Glory to God
4:30 pm Thursday
This survey of hymns and songs in Glory to God includes both those designated for the season and others in the hymnal that may be suitable for particular Sundays or themes in Advent.
​
Women Composers and Liturgical Curation
10:00 am Friday
Worship leaders curate theology and congregational identity whenever they choose music. Explore how regularly programming women composers expands the church’s memory, resists tokenism, and moves beyond occasional inclusion to make music by women an integral part of our communal faith.