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MONTREAT CONFERENCE CENTER
MONTREAT, NORTH CAROLINA
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2025 Worship & Music Conference
Classes

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The Worship & Music Conference offers a wide variety of

classes, seminars, and musical activities for attendees of all ages.

Click the images below to view each category of classes we have to offer.

Click on the class instructor's name to be directed to their faculty bio.

Adult Classes

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.

Adult Bible: The Good Samaritan Again and Again

Mark Douglas
When Jesus is asked, “Who is my neighbor?” he responds with a parable that undermines and intensifies the question. We will undermine and intensify it again, viewing the parable through many lenses.
 CEU  PAM Cert I.3 


Adult Chamber Choir

Lynda Hasseler - Director

John Alexander - Collaborative Pianist
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. Those selected must purchase a music packet from the on-site store at 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 



African Drumming

Daniel Otu
No experience necessary. Discover the basics and fun of playing the West African djembe. Learn proper hand technique and timing while practicing traditional djembe rhythms and sharing love through drums.
PAM Cert IV.1 IG 

Art Workshop: Oil Pastel, Shapes and Colors

Dan Trabue

The Artist-in-Residence will lead a class to explore themes of being Clothed in Love, using oil pastels to create simple shapes and symbols that say to the students, THIS is what being clothed in love means to me.
 CEU  PAM Cert I.1  IG 


Awakening Joy & Soul at the Console*

Tom Trenney
Join in an empowering, encouraging organ seminar to explore new possibilities in improvisation, repertoire, and service playing to deepen the joy and soul of our spirits and our ministry.

 CEU  PAM Cert IV.1  IG 

*This class is will meet four days of each session of the conference.

Chaos Ministry in Small Churches

Marcus Hong
Together we will learn how to cultivate art-filled, joyful, intergenerational worshiping ecologies for small church contexts.

 PAM Cert I.1 

Choir (Adult)

Lynda Hasseler - Director

John Alexander - Collaborative Pianist
All choirs rehearse twice daily to prepare for singing in worship and the Friday concert.

 PAM Cert IV.1 



Composing for Children's Voices 

Michael Burkhardt
Sessions will explore vocal, pedagogical, age, and contextual considerations for composing and arranging for children's voices. Participants are encouraged to bring compositions for review and feedback.

 CEU  PAM Cert IV.1 

 



Conducting the Choir

Amy Kotsonis
This class welcomes conductors of all experience levels and focuses on gestures and rehearsal techniques that make efficient use of limited rehearsal and repertoire schedule of church choirs.

 CEU  PAM Cert IV.1  IG 


Dance as Spiritual Practice

Julie Hoplamazian
Utilizing the dancing body as an instrument of connection to the Divine, this class will introduce a framework for ballet as a spiritual practice and theological language.

 PAM Cert IV.1 , IG 


Environmental Faith for an Environmental Age

Mark Douglas
Exploring emerging visions of environmental ethics, this class will consider how to ethically engage the nonhuman natural world with faithful practices when that world both awes and endangers us.


Handbell Seminar

Brenda Austin
Handbell excellence! Directors and ringers explore problem-solving strategies and expand ringing technique.
Handbell expression! Learn to ring with nuance using everyday movement and intentionality.
Handbell enjoyment! Have a little fun while you learn and grow.

 PAM Cert IV.1 

 



Handbells - Beginning Handchimes, Beginning Handbells, Intermediate*,

Advanced*, and Advanced Auditioned

Brenda Austin and Martha Matthews
Beginning Handchimes: Using handchimes, learn to read music in preparation for ringing handbells (Music Level 1).

 PAM Cert IV.1  IG 


Beginning Handbells: Handbell techniques for those who can already read music but are new to ringing with limited handbell experience (Music Levels 1, 2).

 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+).

 PAM Cert IV.1  IG 


Advanced: For those who ring regularly and feel confident in all handbell techniques and upper-level performance (Music Levels 3+, 4+).

 PAM Cert IV.1  IG 


Advanced (Auditioned): For experienced and proficient ringers (Music Levels 4, 5). Auditions held on site during Check-In hours.

 PAM Cert IV.1  IG 

*This class is will meet four days of each session of the conference.

 


Instrumental Ensembles

Mark Britt and Will Arnold

Max Gambrell - Intern
These ensembles provide opportunities for all instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.

 PAM Cert IV.1  IG 

 


Liturgy Seminar: The Words of the People

David Gambrell
Participants will develop their skills in writing, selecting, and editing prayers for public worship, examining elements of literary style and liturgical context. No previous experience is necessary.

 CEU  PAM Cert I.1 


Organ Seminar

John Alexander
This seminar will explore a variety of topics related to serving as a church organist, including service playing, repertoire for different occasions, and choral accompaniment.

 CEU  PAM Cert IV.1  IG 

Painting God’s Love

Richard Deibert
Introducing Eastern Orthodox iconography! The self-giving love of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for one another overflows into creation with glory for paint as well as preaching. Come, sing, and see!


Preaching Seminar: Reading the Text in Context(s)

Margaret Aymer
"What is written? How do you read it?" (Luke 10:26). Together, we read Scripture in its contexts (historical and literary) and our own, to hear how the Word speaks to us through the Scriptures.


Professional Development: Energy, Intelligence, Imagination 

Josh Taylor

How do we lead faithfully? Join this professional development class for conversations about our calling as church musicians. Come and learn new skills or tune up those you already have.
 CEU  PAM Cert I.2 ​

​Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Nancy Graham
This class will examine the history and definition of each type of sung praise using examples found in Glory to God and compositions by conference musicians.

Reading Session: Handbells

Brenda Austin and Martha Matthews


Routley Lecture

Ana Hernández
We will learn how sound enhances well-being through breathwork, working with our energy centers and by learning simple, powerful songs to incorporate into our prayer lives and carry back to our communities.
 CEU  PAM Cert I.1 


Songwriting and Poetry in Song

David LaMotte
In a conference populated with lots and lots of highly skilled musicians, we will focus mostly, but not entirely, on lyrics. All levels of experience welcome.

 IG 

String Chamber Ensembles

Mark Britt and Will Arnold

Max Gambrell - Intern

These ensembles provide opportunities for string instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.


The Wonder of Worship for All Ages and Church Sizes

Kathy Dawson
We will explore what worship can be in churches of all sizes, especially small congregrations, when it takes the gifts of all ages and abilities seriously. Our aim is to hear latest research and become involved with partner churches in the Wonder of Worship grant.

 PAM Cert IV.1 


 


Worship Reflections

Worship Planning Team
Worship Reflections gives conferees a behind-the-scenes look at how our worship services are planned and implemented so conferees can take ideas “back home.” A moderator leads discussion and fields questions for our preacher, liturgist, liturgical artist, and musicians.

 CEU  PAM Cert I.1 

The Good Samaritan
Adult Chamber Choir
African Drumming
Art Oil Pastel
Awakening Joy & Soul
Chaos MInistry
Adult Choir
Composing for Children's Voices
Conducting the Choir
Dance as Spiritual Practice
Environmental Faith
Handbell Seminar
Handbell Ensembles
Instrumental Ensembles
Liturgy Seminar
Organ Seminar
Preaching Seminar: Reading the Text
Professional Development
Adult Choir Reading Session
Reading Session Children's Choir
Reading Session Handbells
Reading Session Middler
Routley Lecture
Songwriting and Poetry
The Wonder of Worship
Worship Reflections
Painting God's Love
String Ensembles
Psalms Hymns

Senior High Classes

African Drumming

Daniel Otu
No experience necessary. Discover the basics and fun of playing the West African djembe. Learn proper hand technique and timing while practicing traditional djembe rhythms and sharing love through drums.

 IG 

Art Workshop: Oil Pastel, Shapes and Colors

Dan Trabue

The Artist-in-Residence will lead a class to explore themes of being Clothed in Love, using oil pastels to create simple shapes and symbols that say to the students, THIS is what being clothed in love means to me.

 IG 

Awakening Joy & Soul at the Console*

Tom Trenney
Join in an empowering, encouraging organ seminar to explore new possibilities in improvisation, repertoire, and service playing to deepen the joy and soul of our spirits and our ministry.

 IG 

*This class is will meet four days of each session of the conference.

Choir (Senior High)

Brandon Waddles - Director

Brian Tanaka - Collaborative Pianist
Senior High for completed 9th through 12th grades.

Dance as Spiritual Practice

Julie Hoplamazian
Utilizing the dancing body as an instrument of connection to the Divine, this class will introduce a framework for ballet as a spiritual practice and theological language.

 IG 

Fun and Games

Montreat Summer Staff
Enjoy games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.

 


Handbells - Beginning Handchimes, Beginning Handbells,

Intermediate*, and Advanced*

Brenda Austin and Martha Matthews
Beginning Handchimes: Using handchimes, learn to read music in preparation for ringing handbells (Music Level 1).  

 IG 


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 


Advanced: For those who ring regularly and feel confident in all handbell techniques and upper-level performance (Music Levels 3+, 4+).  

 IG 

*This class is will meet four days of each session of the conference.

Instrumental Ensembles

Mark Britt and Will Arnold

Max Gambrell - Intern

These ensembles provide opportunities for all instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.

 IG 

Organ Seminar

John Alexander
This seminar will explore a variety of topics related to serving as a church organist, including service playing, repertoire for different occasions, and choral accompaniment.

 IG 

Senior High Chamber Choir

Brandon Waddles - Director

Brian Tanaka - Collaborative Pianist

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. Those selected must purchase a music packet from the on-site store at 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.

  

Small Groups (Senior High)

Marcus Hong
Small Groups are a daily time for laughter, connection, and conversation as you get to know yourself, your faith, and your siblings in God. Small Groups are required for Senior Highs.

Songwriting and Poetry in Song

David LaMotte
In a conference populated with lots and lots of highly skilled musicians, we will focus mostly, but not entirely, on lyrics. All levels of experience welcome.

 IG 

String Chamber Ensembles

Mark Britt and Will Arnold

Max Gambrell - Intern

These ensembles provide opportunities for string instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday Check-In.

 IG 

Senior High Choir
Senior High Chamber
Senior High Small Groups

Middler Classes

African Drumming

Daniel Otu
No experience necessary. Discover the basics and fun of playing the West African djembe. Learn proper hand technique and timing while practicing traditional djembe rhythms and sharing love through drums.

  IG 

Awakening Joy & Soul at the Console*

Tom Trenney
Join in an empowering, encouraging organ seminar to explore new possibilities in improvisation, repertoire, and service playing to deepen the joy and soul of our spirits and our ministry.

 IG 

*This class is will meet four days of each session of the conference.

Choir (Middler)

Amy Kotsonis - Director

Brent Shaw - Collaborative Pianist
Middler for completed 6th through 8th grades

Dance as Spiritual Practice

Julie Hoplamazian
Utilizing the dancing body as an instrument of connection to the Divine, this class will introduce a framework for ballet as a spiritual practice.

 IG 

Fun and Games

Montreat Summer Staff
Enjoy games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.

 


Handbells - Beginning Handchimes, Beginning Handbells, Intermediate*

Brenda Austin and Martha Matthews
Beginning Handchimes: Using handchimes, learn to read music in preparation for ringing handbells (Music Level 1).

 IG 


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 

*This class is will meet four days of each session of the conference.

Instrumental Ensembles

Mark Britt and Will Arnold

Max Gambrell - Intern

These ensembles provide opportunities for instrumentalists to rehearse.

 IG 

​Middler Art

Debbie Snow

God was the first artist! We will be drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking to use our talents to glorify God.

 

Organ Seminar

John Alexander
This seminar will explore a variety of topics related to serving as a church organist, including service playing, repertoire for different occasions, and choral accompaniment.

 IG 

Small Groups (Middler)

Marcus Hong
Small Groups are a daily time for laughter, connection, and conversation as you get to know yourself, your faith, and your siblings in God. Small Groups are required for Middlers.

Middler Art
Middler Choir
Middler Small Groups

Children's Classes

African Drumming

Daniel Otu
No experience necessary. Discover the basics and fun of playing the West African djembe. Learn proper hand technique and timing while practicing traditional djembe rhythms and sharing love through drums.

 IG 

 

Children's Art

Debbie Snow

God was the first artist! We will be drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking to use our talents to glorify God.

​Children's Bible

Kathy Dawson
Children will experience an active exploration of following Jesus with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love. Expect to make friends and do many hands-on activities.


Children's Handchimes 

David VanderMeer
Children will explore the basics of ringing handchimes. Learning music by rote will be taught.

Choir (Children's)

Michael Burkhardt - Director

Brent Shaw - Collaborative Pianist
For children who have completed 3rd through 5th grade.​

Dance as Spiritual Practice

Julie Hoplamazian
Utilizing the dancing body as an instrument of connection to the Divine, this class will introduce a framework for ballet as a spiritual practice and theological language.

 IG 

Fun and Games

Montreat Summer Staff
Enjoy games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.

​\

Children's Bible
Children's Handchimes
Children's Choir
Children's Art

Interest Sessions (Adults)

Jazz Vespers: Worship and Education

Enoch Smith Jr.

Weeks 1 & 2 

Monday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
An in-depth look at what it takes to build a successful jazz worship service, including thematic ideas, presentation best practices, and music selection tips.

This Book Stirred My Soul!

Anne Wilson

Week 1 

Monday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
Be part of a fast-paced, highly interactive workshop! Bring a favorite book that inspired you or your ministry. Share how it impacted you and then be willing to give it away! We will each leave with a different book and inspiration for the days to come. A list of all books will be provided.

 


Guest Musicians: Ensure Success!

Mark Britt

Weeks 1 & 2

Monday at 4:30 pm
Logistics of the hiring of guest instrumentalists, preparation of parts, selection of literature, rehearsal techniques, instrument substitutions, percussion and string considerations, physical placements.

 


Contemporary Christian Music Resources

David Brinson

Weeks 1 & 2

Tuesday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
Contemporary Christian music resources, tips, and tricks.


Practical Handbell Resources

Mandy Keathley

Weeks 1 & 2

Tuesday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
Practical resources for starting a bell choir and learning some hands-on techniques for ways to use bells in worship.


Children's Books as Fun Choral Warm-ups

Kirsten Foyles

Weeks 1 & 2

Wednesday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
We will demonstrate the use of children’s storybooks as fun and interactive choral warm-ups. We will highlight books that can be used for vocal exploration, articulation, breath control, and phrasing, all while your kids just think they are having a great story time to start rehearsal!


A New Confession? Let's Talk

Margaret Aymer

Weeks 1 & 2

Wednesday at 10 am and 4:30 pm (Week 1)

Monday at 10 am and 4:30 pm (Week 2)
A chance to consider the PC(USA) General Assembly Special Committee's mandate to write a new confession.


Converting Big Worship Services to the Small Church

Kelly Abraham

Weeks 1 & 2

Thursday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
Practical ways to incorporate conference worship services into small worshiping congregations.

 


Not Only In February!

Jason N. Brown

Week 1

Thursday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
This session will provide a brief survey of music from the African American worship experience against the backdrop of the liturgical calendar. In this engaging lecture-discussion, we'll explore repertoire for solo singers, choirs (both anthems and extended works), hymnody, and organ repertoire. We'll also discuss interpretation and basic performance practices for Negro spirituals and gospel music.


Sonrise Saturday: Worship for Children

Joseph Taber

Week 2

Wednesday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
Learn how what began as reimagined VBS grew to become a unique worshiping community.

 


Music in Scripture: Not Just the Psalms

Charles Freeman

Week 2

Thursday at 10 am and 4:30 pm
This session introduces participants to a number of Scriptures in which either music plays a significant part or the passage was meant for musical use. Participants will reflect on the ways music has been integral to the life of the people of God across many centuries.

Jazz Vespers
This Book
Guest Musicians
Contemporary Christian Music
Practical Handbell
Children's Books
New Confession
Converting Big Worship
Not Only
Sonrise
Music in Scripture
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