News

This year's A Baylor Christmas concert celebrates a unique blend of Baylor tradition and community-centered themes, focusing on Waco’s own peacemakers and local organizations that make a difference. 

It’s been quite a year for Forrest Frank (BBA ’17):

• Hit No. 1 on iTunes worldwide chart (for all genres)
• Five of iTunes’ top 100 Christian songs for 2024
• Chosen as the soundtrack for Baylor’s 2024-25 commercial (our favorite honor, obviously)

Now, the Baylor grad has been recognized yet again, having won the 2024 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year!

Dunn Center has been awarded a second grant to continue exploring youth participation in worship in the local church. During this new project, the research team is working to assess and develop youth leadership models that when applied fully or in smaller, appropriate contexts, will increase the overall productivity and longevity of youth worship teams. The CCMS project is titled the Worship Lab Initiative (WLI) and seeks to identify and introduce scalable worship leadership models into the local church through observations, assessment, and implementation.

The Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies is delighted to welcome Geraldine Latty-Luce and Carey Luce as our inaugural International Visiting Scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year. We are confident that this cross-cultural exchange will enhance the work not only of the Dunn Center, but also of the broader School of Music and Baylor University as a whole.

We sat down with Geraldine and Carey to hear about their individual stories, their story together, and their vision for their residency here at Baylor. Read the article to learn more!

Stephen Newby was called to Baylor to advance interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the study and preservation of Black gospel music. His approach, like the music itself, blends numerous notes into harmony: 

From outstanding academic achievements to inspiring music initiatives, there is so much to look forward to within our community. Be a part of our journey by sharing your exciting news and unique accomplishments with us.

The School’s alumni continue to fling their Green & Gold across the globe. Learn what some of our grads are doing today.

We love to spotlight the extraordinary work of our internationally renowned faculty. These individuals are not only acclaimed performers but also dedicated pedagogues who are passionate about transforming lives through music and education.

The accomplishments of our students showcase their incredible talents and exemplifies their hard work and dedication.

In his final letter for the School of Music's Semper Pro Musica newsletter, Dean Mortenson shares a touching farewell message about his growing family and future plans, and expresses profound gratitude for the support of the School's faculty, staff and students.

Baylor University’s Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies in the Baylor School of Music has been awarded a four-year $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Strengthening Ministries with Youth Initiative. This award comes as phase one of the Dunn Center’s Building Bridges to the Future project, a $1.2 million award designed to enrich youth worship ministries, nears its conclusion. 

WACO, Texas (April 16, 2024) – Isaiah Odajima, M.M. ’99, D.M.A., associate professor of ensembles and associate director of bands in the Baylor University School of Music, was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association at the organization’s national convention in Washington, D.C., and served as a guest conductor for "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. 

Lesley McAllister, D.M.A., received recognition for her article, “The Language of Awareness: How Cueing and Breath Work Impact the Music Lesson”

The award-winning Baylor Symphony Orchestra will make its Bass Performance Hall debut on Tuesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. 

Read about our Board of Advocates and how to send us your great news.

Be sure to save the dates and join us for our special events and concerts.

The School's alumni continue to fling their green and gold across the globe. Learn what some of our grads are doing with their degrees.

Our faculty are internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives and bettering communities.

The accomplishments of our students showcase their incredible talents and exemplifies their hard work and dedication.

Ensemble releases Divine Mischief on the Signum Classics label prior to launch of reginal tour.

Production of Monsieur et Madame Denis caps off award-winning year for Baylor Opera.

In the spirit of celebration, Dean Mortenson, who is set to retire on July 1, is particularly excited about the high-profile concerts scheduled within the next few months.

Winners of Baylor’s Semper Pro Musica Competitions to Perform at World Renowned Venues in New York City and Fort Worth.

The Baylor Wind Ensemble and prominent clarinetist Julian Bliss release Divine Mischief on the Signum Classics label, available on all streaming platforms. 

School of Music and Baylor says goodbye to a beloved member of the Baylor family.

McLean joins the School’s renowned faculty full time after serving as a temporary lecturer of choral ensemble.

Check out the latest news about our Board of Advocates, Worship Lab, and learn how to stay connected.

Be sure to save the dates and join us for our special concerts.

The School's alumni continue to fling their green and gold across the globe. Learn what some of our grads are doing with their degrees.

Our faculty are internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives and bettering communities.

Phillips is releasing several videos of works that represent periods of his own musical, artistic, personal and spiritual growth.

Great stories happen at the School of Music as our students continue to excel in competitions or in the classrooms.

Kevin Sanders, D.M.A., joins Baylor from the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis.

Get ready to feel the rhythm of excitement as we gear up for an extraordinary musical experience at the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention.

Dean Mortenson expresses his gratitude to the many people who contributed to a joyful tenure of leadership at Baylor.

Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for our special concerts.

Check out the latest news about our Board of Advocates, expanding facilities and other exciting events.

Our alumni hold positions as educators, performers, and administrators in leading institutions throughout the world.

Our faculty are internationally-renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives and bettering communities.

Congratulations to our amazing students for all their accomplishments. We are so proud of you!

The School of Music presents the world’s finest classical and cultural performers to its concert stages through its Distinguished Artist Series to help enrich the education of our students and surrounding community through exposure and involvement with fine arts.

Members of the Baylor Bella Voce choral ensemble traveled to Ireland for a transformative experience filled with traditional Irish folk songs and dance.

This year’s A Baylor Christmas promises to hit all the right notes with traditional Christmas music while featuring a new look and feel throughout this time-honored concert.

A few words from Dean Mortenson as the 2023-2024 academic year is underway.

The Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies in the Baylor School of Music will host Elias Dummer, recording artist and worship leader, for its fall 2023 Hearn Innovator Series.

Baylor University announced today the appointment of Reginal Wright, M.M., as Lecturer in Choral Music in Baylor’s School of Music.

A few words from Dean Mortenson as we close the chapter on the 2023-2023 academic year.

Heartfelt cheers, emotional speeches, and a sea of misty eyes concluded Lynne Gackle's final concert as the Baylor School of Music's Director of Choral Activities on Tuesday, April 25.

Bradley Bolen spent spring break teaching masterclasses and private lessons at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.

From McCrary Practice Rooms to National Tours with Award Winning Christian Contemporary Pop Band CAIN

Congratulations to our amazing students for all their accomplishments. We are so proud of you!

Our faculty are internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives and bettering communities.

Check out the latest news about our Board of Advocates, upcoming concerts, and other exciting events.

After two rounds of auditions, horn student Blake Moreland lands the principal horn position in a professional symphony.

Our alumni hold positions as educators, performers, and administrators in leading institutions throughout the world.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved colleague, Richard Shanley. Please keep the Shanley family in your thoughts and prayers.

Baylor University’s Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies to Host James Abbington, D.M.A., for its Spring 2023 Northcutt Lecture Series.

MacMullen brings vision of audience engagement, development of community and continued choral excellence to Baylor School of Music

Welcome to the February 2023 Semper Pro Musica eNewsletter.

Dean Mortenson says the 2023-2024 academic year will be his final year as Dean of the School of Music.

Announcing the winner of Baylor University's School of Music 2022-2023 Music Concerto Competition.

Wind quintet WindSync to perform at Baylor as part of the School of Music's Distinguished Artist Series.

Congratulations to our students for their outstanding accomplishments.

Our faculty are internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives, advancing the arts, and bettering communities.

Check out the latest news about our Board of Advocates, upcoming concerts, and other exciting events.

Our alumni hold positions as educators, performers, and administrators in leading institutions throughout the world.

As we come to the close of another semester of intense activity, I reflect on all of the blessings we have to be thankful for in the School of Music.

The Baylor Wind Ensemble has scheduled several concerts during its 2022 Midwest Tour leading up to its performance as the only invited collegiate ensemble at the 76th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference starting with tonight's performance in Jones Concert Hall.

Through the efforts of the Center for Christian Music Studies and its summer training event, Worship Lab, students are being prepared for success in music ministry roles to help build a bridge to the future in ministry.

Master's composition student Mitch Gilly was recently hired as Baylor University's arranger and conductor for All-University Sing.

Students form an all-female jazz ensemble as part of The Wayne Fisher Jazz Program, making it the first in the School's history.

We've added a new video to the School of Music website called "Heart, Mind, and Soul: Music at Baylor." Click through to check it out.

Congratulations to our students on their accomplishments.

Our faculty are internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives, advancing the arts, and bettering communities.

Our alumni hold positions as educators, performers, and administrators in leading institutions throughout the world.

Check out the latest news about our Board of Advocates, upcoming concerts, and other exciting events.

Welcome to the new look and a new season of the Semper Pro Musica eNewsletter for the School of Music.

Harth-Bedoya takes baton of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and Campus Orchestra.

A Baylor Christmas returns live after a two-year COVID disruption. Tickets go on sale November 1.

Fulbright recipient and School of Music alumna Olivia Gorrell talks about teaching English in Germany.

Help us welcome the new faculty and staff of the School of Music.

Congratulations to our students on their incredible accomplishments.

Our faculty are internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. Read about how they are transforming lives and bettering communities.

Our alumni hold positions as educators, performers, and administrators in leading institutions throughout the world.

Check out the latest news about our Board of Advocates, upcoming concerts, and other exciting events.

Former Baylor dean Robert Blocker will appear as guest soloist in the Baylor Symphony Orchestra’s next concert, on Tuesday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall. This will be Stephen Heyde's final time on the podium as BSO conductor.

A Browning Music Concert (Baylor Chamber Singers) Monday, April 25 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Armstrong Browning Library

World Voice Day, April 11 4:30-6:30pm in Hooper-Schaffer

April 19 @ 4pm in Recital Hall II = A presentation to educate and empower the female singer to hold guardianship of their unique instrument.

Baylor's Brent Phillips will be joined by Jonathan Whitaker, Christian Paarup, and Steve Wilson for a trombone recital on Sunday, April 3, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Roxy Grove Hall. Their pianist will be Kae Hosoda-Ayer.

Baylor University’s Concert Choir will present a program called “Truth and Light: Refractions of Hope” on Monday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall.

The Baylor University Wind Ensemble will present a concert on Thursday, March 31, as part of the 2022 Southwestern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Conference. Led by Director of Bands J. Eric Wilson, the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall.

The 35th-annual Northcutt Lecture will present a talk by Mary Louise Bringle on Tuesday, March 29, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in Armstrong Browning Library’s McLean Foyer of Meditation.

The Baylor Symphony Orchestra will present its next concert on Tuesday, March 22, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall. This nationally renowned orchestra is led by Conductor-in-Residence Stephen Heyde. Guest soloist is pianist Fjoralba Zguro, winner of the 2020 Baylor Concerto Competition.

Pianist Sara Daneshpour will present a guest recital as part of Baylor University’s Lyceum Series on Tuesday, March 29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Roxy Grove Hall.

Composer Iván Treviño will appear as special guest of the Baylor Percussion Group in its next concert, on Thursday, March 17, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall. The BPG's directors are Todd Meehan and Arlo Shultis.

Students from the String Division of Baylor University will combine their talents to present a chamber music concert on Thursday, March 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Roxy Grove Hall.

Baylor University's Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will combine for a concert on Tuesday, March 1, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall.

The Baylor University Campus Orchestra, augmented by thirteen players from the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, will present a concert on Monday, February 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall. The conductor is Director of Orchestral Activities Stephen Heyde.

The Baylor University Concert Band, led by its new conductor, Assistant Director of Bands Stuart Ivey, will perform on Sunday, February 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall.