The Renewing Worship EXPO offers world-class training for children’s choir programs in our churches. Training our children is an important piece of raising up worship leaders for the next generation, and many churches no longer include music training for children. We have two amazing clinicians coming–one to equip a group of preschool leaders and one to equip those working with elementary-aged children.
Christy Semsen
School-Age Choir Leadership
3-time Dove-Award winning children’s writer, Christy Semsen has been writing children’s musicals for twelve years. With over 25 published musicals, 5 Choral Collections and 10 Dove Award nominations, she has had over 160 songs published and performed by children across the world. She and her husband Daniel started a choral music publishing company, Semsen Music in 2021 and are thrilled to be able to creatively continue serving the church in new ways!
Traveling around the country, she teaches on drama, choreography and engaging both younger and older children through utilizing the most current musical styles, while teaching them a love of scripture and worship. She currently directs a choir of kids K-8th grade in the Burbank Community Kids Choir and loves serving kids!
Christy has a M.A. in Pastoral Studies (Emphasis, Worship Leadership, 2010), as well as a B.A. in Music Theory/Composition; Music Education from Azusa Pacific University (1998). She resides in Burbank, CA. with her husband, composer/arranger/orchestrator Daniel Semsen and has two sons in college, Nathaniel (22) and Noah (19).
Susan Eernisse serves First Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA, as an Associate Music Minister. As part of her position, she directs the Young Musicians Choir and Handchime Ringers (grades 3-5). Susan has directed preschool and children’s choirs in a variety of churches, and taught music in public and private schools for 20 years. Susan was previously the editor of The Chorister magazine and has written preschool and children’s music and curriculum for several publishers. She is currently the Children’s Music Editor for Jubilate Music Group. Susan has presented at many conferences and workshops through the years including Baylor Alleluia, Children’s Music Summit, and Children’s Worship University.
Susan Eernisse
Preschool Choir Leadership
Schedule
The children’s choir leadership track will be on a schedule different from the other groups to facilitate the best learning environment and classes.
8:00-9:00 am – Registration
9:00-10:15 am – Opening session (all Expo attendees)
10:30-11:50 am – Session 1
- Preschool: First Things First: Covering All the Bases in Preschool Music
We will look at key music concepts and engaging activities to plug into weekly preschool music sessions…singing, listening, moving, and more. Let’s have a great time together as we get ready for a fun and purposeful Fall semester! - School-Age: Learn the hymns! Reading session of Christy’s exciting new non-seasonal musical, “The Greatest Hymn on Earth”, PLUS practical ways to incorporate scripture songs and hymns
12:00-12:50 pm – Lunch
1:00-1:50 pm – Session 2
- Preschool: A Circle of Sound – Preschoolers Learning Together!
Singing songs, telling stories with books and props, playing circle games, and exploring instruments…so much better when we do it together. Help preschoolers develop musically, socially, and spiritually through shared learning experiences. - School-Age: Seven Secrets to Revitalizing Children’s Choir in your church
2:00-2:50 pm – Session 3
- Preschool: See, Read, Sing, and Play – Preschoolers CAN Read Music! Help preschoolers develop pre-reading music skills to put them on the path to a lifetime of music making. We’ll explore colorful, active, hands-on activities that will leave the PreK bunch (& their teachers) wanting more.
- School-Age: How to have a (relatively) Chaos-Free Rehearsal: Never need to shout or shhhhhh your choir again (well, almost never)
3:00-3:45 pm – Closing Session (all Expo attendees)
Check out other information about the Renewing Worship EXPO
