The Baylor Religious Hour Choir is a student-led Christian choir at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

History

The Baylor Religious Hour (BRH) Choir was formed in 1948 by Baylor student Dick Baker as part of a weekly worship service called the Baylor Religous Hour. The service was open to all students and provided an atmosphere of fellowship for Christians and non-Christians alike. As more and more students began attending church services off campus, however, the need for on-campus services like the Baylor Religious Hour began to dwindle. The choir, however, having gained popularity with students, became its own entity, keeping the name Baylor Religious Hour Choir. Though few Baylor students know the relevance of the name BRH, the choir has kept its title, citing tradition as the reason. Though the style of music sung by the choir has changed over time, BRH draws heavily from traditional, gospel, contemporary, a capella, and even rock genres and prides itself on its ability to sing many types of music and adapt to its listeners. In this fashion, the choir believes it can evangelize to a wider audience. A band travels, and often sings, with the choir.

Activities

As well as singing in churches and public spaces both locally and nationally, the Baylor Religious Hour Choir regularly participates in Backyard Bible Clubs, drama, innercity ministry, puppet ministry, renovation, revivals, survey work, visitation, and youth rallies.

Events

Baylor Icon

Baylor's version of American Idol, Baylor Icon is coordinated by the fundraising chair of the BRH Choir and gives Baylor students the opportunity to compete for a grand prize, which in past years has included recording time at prominent local music labels. Students vote for their favorite singers over several elimination rounds by way of monetary donation to the choir.

Dinner Theatre and Silent Auction

Another fundraising opportunity, a dinner theatre and silent auction are coordinated by BRH's event and fundraising chairs. Choir members can audition solo or group acts before a panel for a chance to be featured in a dinner theatre. During the show, attendees are encouraged to bid on items donated by local businesses.

Singspiration

A concert during homecoming weekend at Baylor that takes place just before the annual bonfire, Singspiration features a comprehensive alumni choir composed of all former and current BRH members.

BRH on Tour

Each year the BRH Choir self-funds a mission trip to a location chosen by its tour coordinators. In past years, the choir has travelled to Canada, Denmark, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, and Taiwan, as well as Hawaii, California, and New York in the United States. Though concerts are an integral part of the trip, members also participate in a wide range of activities including manual labor, faith evangelism, mentoring, innercity ministry, and the distribution of care packages to the poor.

Retreats

Members participate in a two-day retreat that lets them welcome new members and learn music for upcoming concerts.

Members

Director

Traditionally, the director of the choir has been a member of BRH and is a graduate student at the time of his or her service to the choir. Directors earn a small salary provided by an alumni endowment. The current director of the BRH Choir is Molly Jorgensen. Past directors have included Dick Baker, Kurt Kaiser, Paul Smith, and David Phelps.

Current officers

President — John Ertekin

Vice President — Courtney Tekell

Treasurer — Liesl Edwards

Secretary — Krysta Edwards

Current members

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! Soprano !! Alto !! Tenor !! Base !! Musicians
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Megan Gibson

Krysta Edwards

Molly Jorgensen

Kaylee Nolan

Courtney Tekell

Laura Terrell

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Allison Deily

Liesl Edwards

Davra Kwiatek

Leah Manlove

Courtney Pope

Ashley Reed

Alise Sams

Jeana Smith

Lindsey Williams

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Blake Buchanan

Paul Davis

Derek Eiland

John Ertekin

Austin Hooper

Ryan Lobb

Samuel Odutola

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Scott Loper

Jon Wilson

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Bass Guitar — Ryan Lobb

Drums — Austin Hooper

Flautist — Megan Gibson

Guitar — Derek Eiland

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Prominent former BRH members

Billy Ray Hearn, founder of Sparrow Records and chairman of EMI Christian Music Group

Arranger and composer Kurt Kaiser

Contemporary artists Phil Driscoll and Paul Smith

External Links

Baylor Religious Hour Choir Official Site
Baylor University Official Site