CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
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2:00 PM - 6:00 PM - On-site Registration Opens Location: Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre Conference Center
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8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Jazz & Jokes Location: TBA
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Thursday, April 3, 2025
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM On-site Registration
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8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Prayer
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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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
Course Description:
Join us for a transformative worship dancer class at our conference. This classis designed for dancers of all levels who have a passion for expressing theirfaith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will learnchoreographed routines that incorporate elements of worship and praise.Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, strengthen yourdance skills, and experience the power of worship through movement. Come and join us as we dance our hearts out in praise and adoration!
CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
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
MASTERING MUSIC BUSINESS Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Moderators:
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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
Course Description:
Join us for a transformative worship dancer class at our conference. This classis designed for dancers of all levels who have a passion for expressing theirfaith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will learnchoreographed routines that incorporate elements of worship and praise.Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, strengthen yourdance skills, and experience the power of worship through movement. Come and join us as we dance our hearts out in praise and adoration!
CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
​ Speaker: Bishop SY Younger
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Friday, April 4, 2025
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM On-site Registration Location: Conference Center, Marriott Owings Mills
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8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Prayer Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
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9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Opening Session: Morning Worship with VaShawn Mitchell, 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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
Course Description:
Join us for a transformative worship dancer class at our conference. This class is designed for dancers of all levels who have a
passion for expressing their faith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will learn choreographed routines that
incorporate elements of worship and praise.Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, strengthen your dance
skills, and experience the power of worship through movement. Come and join us as we dance our hearts out in praise and
adoration!
​
CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
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)
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 Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
MUSIC APPRECIATION AND CRITIQUE CLASS Space is limited
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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
Course Description:
Join us for a transformative worship dancer class at our conference. This class is designed for dancers of all levels who have a
passion for expressing their faith through movement. Led by experienced instructors, you will learn choreographed routines that
incorporate elements of worship and praise.Through this class, you will deepen your connection to God, strengthen your dance
skills, and experience the power of worship through movement. Come and join us as we dance our hearts out in praise and
adoration!
​
CHOIROLOGY MASTER CLASS Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
Instructor:
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: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
​ Speaker: Dr. Valerie Moore
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10:30 PM - 1:00 AM Late Night Musical Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
​ Featuring:
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Saturday, April 5, 2025
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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Closing Session Location: TBA, Marriott Owings Mills
​ Speaker: VaShawn Mitchell
You don't want to miss this life changing experience!
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