Wednesday, April 2, 2025

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2:00 PM - 6:00 PM - On-site Registration Opens                            Location: Magnolia Foyer, Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center

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8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Jazz & Jokes                                               Location: Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood, Owings Mills 

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Thursday, April 3, 2025

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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM         On-site Registration                                 Location: Magnolia Foyer, Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center

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8:45 AM - 9:00 AM         Prayer                                                      Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

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9:00 AM - 10:15 AM       Opening Session: Morning Worship with Bishop Jason Nelson, Speaker                                                    

 

10:30 AM - 11:30 PM      Worship Masterclass Session I with Darrel Walls (for all registrants)

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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM         Breakout Sessions I

 

GHU (GOSPEL HERITAGE UNIVERSITY)                                             Location: Hawthrone Salon A, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Dr. John Paul McGee

 

Course Description:    

Music and Worship in the African-American Church-This two day course will investigates the history and theology of sacred music in the context of Africentricity and Black 

ecclesiology. Students will explore and developmethodologies for worship facilitation and worship leadership in the 21stcentury Black church. Students will engage scriptural texts, liturgical history,African American church history, case studies, and cultural 

exegesis to explore the role(s) of music in worship with particular emphasis on AfricanAmerican contexts.

 

       

HEAVENLY RHYTHMS: A WORSHIP DANCE MASTERCLASS          Location: Willow Salon A, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructors: Amanda F. Standard & Rachael L. Sutherland

 

Course Description:

Join us for a transformative worship dance experience at our conference. This masterclass is designed for dancers of all levels passionate about expressing their faith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will explore the use of pageantry, sacred movement, and the embodiment of worship as a form of prayer. In addition, you will learn how to apply dance techniques to your movement toolbox, enhancing your ability to communicate spiritually with clarity and intentionality. Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, cultivate a deeper understanding of movement as your prayer language, and experience the power of worship through dance. Come and join us as we move in faith, adoration, and spiritual expression!

 

          

CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS                                                              Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Meachum Clarke

 

Course Description:

The art and science of gospel choir ministry, encompassing the principles, practices, and passion required to cultivate a dynamic and impactful choir. CHOIROLOGY integrates  musical excellence, spiritual leadership, and cultural legacy to elevate

choirs beyond performance into transformative worship experiences.

Who Should Attend?
This master class is for anyone passionate about gospel choir ministry:
• Singers
• Musicians
• Directors
• Worship leaders
• Artists
• Church music ministry teams
• Pastors and anyone invested in the legacy of gospel music

Why Attend?
• Gain practical skills to elevate your choir’s overall ministry.
• Connect with a community of gospel music leaders and innovators.
• Be inspired to lead your ministry with excellence and purpose.
• Gain the knowledge needed to clear articulate new standards and evoke change in your worship culture

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1:30 PM – 3:00 PM             Lunch Break

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3:00 PM – 4:30 PM             Breakout Sessions

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MASTERING MUSIC BUSINESS                                                             Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

Moderators: VaShawn Mitchell & JJ Hairston

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Experience Objectives:

The Ultimate Guide"Join us for Music Business Class 101, where you will learnthe fundamentals of the music industry, including 

copyright law, marketingstrategies, and artist management. Whether you're an aspiring musician, music manager, or industry

professional, this course will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the ever-evolving music business landscape.

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HEAVENLY RHYTHMS: A WORSHIP DANCE MASTERCLASS          Location: Willow Salon A, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructors: Amanda F. Standard & Rachael L. Sutherland

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Course Description:

Join us for a transformative worship dance experience at our conference. This masterclass is designed for dancers of all levels passionate about expressing their faith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will explore the use of pageantry, sacred movement, and the embodiment of worship as a form of prayer. In addition, you will learn how to apply dance techniques to your movement toolbox, enhancing your ability to communicate spiritually with clarity and intentionality. Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, cultivate a deeper understanding of movement as your prayer language, and experience the power of worship through dance. Come and join us as we move in faith, adoration, and spiritual expression!

 

          

CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS                                                              Location: Willow Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Meachum Clarke

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Course Description:

The art and science of gospel choir ministry, encompassing the principles, practices, and passion required to cultivate a dynamic and impactful choir. CHOIROLOGY integrates  musical excellence, spiritual leadership, and cultural legacy to elevate

choirs beyond performance into transformative worship experiences.

Who Should Attend?
This master class is for anyone passionate about gospel choir ministry:
• Singers
• Musicians
• Directors
• Worship leaders
• Artists
• Church music ministry teams
• Pastors and anyone invested in the legacy of gospel music

Why Attend?
• Gain practical skills to elevate your choir’s overall ministry.
• Connect with a community of gospel music leaders and innovators.
• Be inspired to lead your ministry with excellence and purpose.
• Gain the knowledge needed to clear articulate new standards and evoke change in your worship culture

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​4:30 PM - 7:00 PM              Break

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7:00 PM - 10:00 PM            Evening Session (Open to Public)                      Location: Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD

​                                              Speaker: Bishop SY Younger

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10:30 PM - 12:30 AM             The Musicians & Singers Shed                                Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

                                               Featuring: Domo Brice, Antwan Easton, Brandon Gaines, James "Drummaboy" Harris, the J4 Band, George                                                  "Spanky" McCurdy, Vincent McNatt, Joe Pryor, Morgan Turner, Devin "DWeb" Webster, and Trent Phillips 

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Friday, April 4, 2025

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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM          On-site Registration                                      Location: Magnolia Foyer, Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center

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8:45 AM – 9:00 AM          Prayer                                                          Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

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9:00 AM - 10:15 AM       Opening Session: Morning Worship with Dr. John Paul McGee, Speaker                                                    

 

10:30 AM - 11:30 PM      Worship Masterclass Session II with Benita Jones (for all registrants)

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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM         Breakout Sessions III

GHU (GOSPEL HERITAGE UNIVERSITY)                                                   Location: Hawthorne Salon A, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Dr. John Paul McGee

 

Course Description:    

Music and Worship in the African-American Church-This two day course will investigates the history and theology of sacred music in the context of Africentricity and Black 

​

HEAVENLY RHYTHMS: A WORSHIP DANCE MASTERCLASS          Location: Willow Salon A, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructors: Amanda F. Standard & Rachael L. Sutherland

 

Course Description:

Join us for a transformative worship dance experience at our conference. This masterclass is designed for dancers of all levels passionate about expressing their faith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will explore the use of pageantry, sacred movement, and the embodiment of worship as a form of prayer. In addition, you will learn how to apply dance techniques to your movement toolbox, enhancing your ability to communicate spiritually with clarity and intentionality. Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, cultivate a deeper understanding of movement as your prayer language, and experience the power of worship through dance. Come and join us as we move in faith, adoration, and spiritual expression!

​

CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS                                                              Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Meachum Clarke

​

Course Description:

The art and science of gospel choir ministry, encompassing the principles, practices, and passion required to cultivate a dynamic and impactful choir. CHOIROLOGY integrates  musical excellence, spiritual leadership, and cultural legacy to elevate

choirs beyond performance into transformative worship experiences.

Who Should Attend?
This master class is for anyone passionate about gospel choir ministry:
• Singers
• Musicians
• Directors
• Worship leaders
• Artists
• Church music ministry teams
• Pastors and anyone invested in the legacy of gospel music

Why Attend?
• Gain practical skills to elevate your choir’s overall ministry.
• Connect with a community of gospel music leaders and innovators.
• Be inspired to lead your ministry with excellence and purpose.
• Gain the knowledge needed to clear articulate new standards and evoke change in your worship culture

 

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM         Lunch Break

                                       Gospel Heritage Honors Luncheon (additional fee) Location: Tillery Private Dining Room,

                                       Marriott Owings Mills

                                       Join VaShawn Mitchell & the IWATS Team as they honor some of the most influential voice in gospel and                                          from communities nationwide.

                                       2025 Honorees: Peggy Carmichael, Buddy Lakins, Bishop Carl A. Pierce, Sr., and Kenneth                                   Shelton

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3:00 PM – 4:30 PM         Breakout Sessions IV                                                   

MUSIC APPRECIATION AND CRITIQUE CLASS                                 Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

Panelists: 

Learning Objectives:Listening to new artist music and providing feedback involves actively engaging with the music, paying

attention to the lyrics, melody, instrumentation, and overall production. Providing constructive feedback can help the artist improve their craft and grow as a musician. Your input canmake a difference in shaping the artist's sound and direction.

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HEAVENLY RHYTHMS: A WORSHIP DANCE MASTERCLASS          Location: Hawthorne Salon C, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Amanda F. Standard & Rachael L. Sutherland

 

Course Description:

Join us for a transformative worship dance experience at our conference. This masterclass is designed for dancers of all levels passionate about expressing their faith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will explore the use of pageantry, sacred movement, and the embodiment of worship as a form of prayer. In addition, you will learn how to apply dance techniques to your movement toolbox, enhancing your ability to communicate spiritually with clarity and intentionality. Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, cultivate a deeper understanding of movement as your prayer language, and experience the power of worship through dance. Come and join us as we move in faith, adoration, and spiritual expression!

​

CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS                                                              Location: Willow Salon A, Marriott Owings Mills

Instructor: Meachum Clarke

​

Course Description:

The art and science of gospel choir ministry, encompassing the principles, practices, and passion required to cultivate a dynamic and impactful choir. CHOIROLOGY integrates  musical excellence, spiritual leadership, and cultural legacy to elevate

choirs beyond performance into transformative worship experiences.

Who Should Attend?
This master class is for anyone passionate about gospel choir ministry:
• Singers
• Musicians
• Directors
• Worship leaders
• Artists
• Church music ministry teams
• Pastors and anyone invested in the legacy of gospel music

Why Attend?
• Gain practical skills to elevate your choir’s overall ministry.
• Connect with a community of gospel music leaders and innovators.
• Be inspired to lead your ministry with excellence and purpose.
• Gain the knowledge needed to clear articulate new standards and evoke change in your worship culture

​

​4:30 PM - 7:00 PM              Break

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7:00 PM - 10:00 PM           Evening Session (Open to Public)                       Location: Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD

​                                              Speaker: Dr. Valerie Moore

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10:30 PM - 1:00 AM           Late Night Musical                                               Location: Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD

​                                              Featuring: Tiya Askia, Chester Burke, Jr. & Company, Charles Butler & Trinity, Joe Douglas & SOP, Sam                                                         Roberts & The Levites Assembly, Ron Summers & Elements, Miranda Jackson & Kadesh, Zak Williams &                                                     1Akord, Brittney Wright, Eric Wadell & The Abundant Life Singers, Vincent Bohanan, and VaShawn Mitchell 

 

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Saturday, April 5, 2025

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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM         Closing Session                                                      Location: Hawthorne Salon B, Marriott Owings Mills

​                                              Speaker: VaShawn Mitchell

 

 

 

You don't want to miss this life changing experience!

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