Lana Shoaf
Copywriter & Communications Manager
Indiana Wesleyan University
April 12, 2024
Abby Brooks, a Geneseo, IL native, performs with our Indiana Wesleyan Chorale and they just recorded soundtracks for an epic, national exhibit at The Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C
April 17, 2024 (Marion, IN)— When local college student, Abby Brooks, took the stage to sing with the Indiana Wesleyan Chorale at the university’s March 22nd convocation, she did not know the opportunity it would provide. The chorale performed during the induction of Ranjy Thomas into the IWU Society of World Changers.
When the IWU choir rose to sing, they captured the attention of one of Ranjy’s guests, Dylan Thomas, CEO & Founder of CREATR and Songwriter & Music Director for Hillsong United. He literally turned in his seat to take in the full effect of the IWU Chorale under the direction of Master Davy Chinn.
At the conclusion of the convocation, and during a subsequent lunch conversation, Dylan Thomas praised Master Chinn for the chorale’s sound—the exact tone in his quest to create a worship-centered experience for the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. He wondered if the group would be willing to record soundtracks for the museum’s exhibit. Master Chinn says, “I jumped at the chance as the timing is indeed providential.”
The choir room was abuzz as Abby joined her peers in the meticulous recording of the tracks. They corresponded via Microsoft Teams with the composer of the project, Harrison Wood, which they all felt was a huge honor. Master Chinn enjoyed the process and said, “Working directly with the composer has been a special treat as he has been able to walk us through his vision for the sound and has been able to add and alter parts on the fly as we record. He remotes into our Pro Tools sessions so he can hear what we are tracking in real time— cool technology!”
The recorded tracks will contribute to an expression of a new and exciting partnership between Museum of the Bible and CREATR. “All Creation Sings” is a fully immersive, 25-minute experience celebrating the story of Worship while engaging the senses to illuminate the timeless truths of the Bible. The exhibit utilizes immersive technology to engage the senses through video, narration, and music. The longstanding intention of this experience, and its future, means the IWU Chorale Voices will ring on for years to come.
Abby feels the opportunity was a huge blessing and commented, “It was a truly humbling experience to be a part of this ministry! Everyone the chorale met that is a part of this project is filled with so much talent and creativity!”
The exhibit has already received support from several key musicians in the Christian-music world. Artists like Brandon Lake, Brooke Ligertwood, Martin Smith, and KB all appear in a promotional video. Learn more about the exhibit, watch the promotional video, and purchase tickets at www.museumofthebible.org/all-creation-sings. To learn more about how CREATR could help you and your church, visit www.creatronline.com. Learn more about the IWU Chorale at www.indwes.edu/ministry-teams/university-chorale.
About IWU
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) provides various educational pathways and nurtures students of all ages as they discover the way forward. For over 100 years, IWU has offered a Christian, liberal arts education, anchored by personal student attention and innovation, which has allowed it to grow into one of the largest faith-based universities in America. Over 14,000 students worldwide are enrolled in rich certificate, undergraduate, graduate, master's, and doctoral programs in highly acclaimed academic disciplines. Traditional students live and learn on the beautiful 350-acre IWU campus in Marion, IN, and non-traditional students acquire degrees through IWU-National & Global programs offered online and at ten education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Wesley Seminary, founded by the Wesleyan Church denomination and IWU, prepares Christian leaders to engage in missional ministry locally and globally. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. To discover the way forward or learn more about IWU, visit indwes.edu.
Abby Brooks. Photo Submitted