PLAINVIEW — Two chapters of the Singing Men of Texas will join forces for a free concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, at Harral Memorial Auditorium on Wayland Baptist University’s Plainview campus.
The Singing Men of Texas – West, directed by Todd Wilson, and the Singing Men of Texas – Panhandle, led by Dan Baker, will unite to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary.
“We look forward to being on the Wayland campus,” said Wilson, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Abilene. “These two groups combine annually for at least one concert. It has been a number of years since we sang at Wayland, and it is our honor to be joining the faculty, staff, and students of this great Baptist institution.”
Baker, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Amarillo, echoed the excitement. “We have lots of Wayland connections in our groups,” he said. “The Panhandle chapter includes several alumni, faculty, and staff.”
Among those connected to Wayland are Dr. Kennith Freeman, Associate Professor of Collaborative Piano, who accompanies the Panhandle group, and Dr. Jay Givens, Professor of Theological Studies, who performs with them. Alumni such as Damon Pearce, pastor of First Baptist Church of Abernathy, are also part of the ensemble. Greg Hall, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Plainview, sings with the chapter as well.
Founded in 1975, the Singing Men of Texas consists of regional chapters primarily composed of music ministers, along with pastors, church staff, and university faculty. The groups are dedicated to using music as a tool for ministry and have performed in countries including Brazil, China, Austria, Spain, and Romania.
Originally planned for First Baptist Church of Plainview, the concert was relocated after sanctuary renovations prevented its hosting. Wayland President Dr. Donna Hedgepath extended an invitation to hold the event at Harral Memorial Auditorium.
All chapters of the Singing Men of Texas will gather for a statewide 50th anniversary concert in Austin on Aug. 15, featuring hundreds of singers.
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