Sewanee Church Music Conference

03/19/2026

This year, we are pleased to welcome the Rev. Melanie Rowell as our Assistant Chaplain. She is a graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South and is rector of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Atlanta. She holds degrees in music and was an Associate Professor of Music at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC. She will assist the Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander in carrying out the duties of chaplain.
For more information, visit: https://www.sewaneeconf.com/melanie-rowell.html

03/11/2026

This year, we are excited to waive the registration fee for students attending the conference! This award is available for persons of all ages either serving as an existing director of music in a liturgical church, choir member in a liturgical church, or a student of music pursuing education leading to professional credentials as a full or part time church musician serving in a liturgical church. Due to the generosity of the estate of the late Dr. Ron Doiron, we are proud to offer this award, which we have named the Doiron Fellowship. More info is available here: https://www.sewaneeconf.com/doiron-fellowship.html

02/12/2026

01/14/2026

Happy 2026, folks! We've missed you.

But guess what?

SCMC 2026 is only 180 days away! Every day is one step closer to gathering together on the Holy Mountain. Keep an eye out on Facebook for more information regarding registration - that will be opening soon. And trust me, you don't want to miss it.

08/09/2025

Prize-winning composer Dr. David Boulware-Kelley is the Organist and Choirmaster at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Virginia. Dr. Boulware-Kelley won First Prize in the 2023 Peter & Lois Fyfe Choral Composition Contest for his composition “Pentecost.” In 2021 he received Second Prize in the Notre Dame Magnificat Choir Competition for his anthem for treble voices, “Meditabor in mandatis tuis.” His compositions have been published by Paraclete Press, St. James Music Press, and Church Publishing. At Holy Comforter, Dr. Boulware-Kelley’s congregational eucharist setting is used frequently, and his psalm settings are sung weekly; the inter-generational choirs often perform his anthems, and he regularly improvises at the organ during services. Dr. Boulware-Kelley received his Doctorate in Organ Performance from Peabody Conservatory; he also holds degrees from Furman University and The Catholic University of America in Music Theory, Composition, and Liturgical Music.

Dr. Boulware-Kelley’s winning composition for this year’s SCMC/Fyfe Choral Competition has been performed at Church of the Holy Comforter, in Vienna VA, and at Lincoln Cathedral in England.

We would also like to extend sincere thanks to our panel of judges for their time, insight, and care throughout this process: Elizabeth Smith, owner of Lois Fyfe Music; Roland Martin, renowned composer; and Dr. Robert Delcamp, retired Organist and Choirmaster of the University of the South, Sewanee.

07/14/2025

SCMC 2025 | Day 7 Recap

Our time on the Holy Mountain has come to a close. Today, we worshipped together, hugged our friends, shed some tears, and said "see you later" to the place we love so much. This is not goodbye, it's farewell for now. What a wonderful week of worship, music, and friends.

Stay tuned later this week for a word of thanks from our director. Thank you for following along during this special week of the year.

07/13/2025

SCMC 2025 | Day 6 Recap

Lots happened today. However, the most significant event that took place was the annual Banquet. Us church musicians dress up and partake in a lovely dinner together. The outfits are always spectacular.

Tomorrow is our final day together for the year. We are so grateful for a wonderful week and already look forward to SCMC 2026.

07/12/2025

SCMC 2025 | Day 5 Recap

The first VILARTS of our 2025 conference has come and gone! Evensong was a blast, and we are so lucky to be making beautiful music together. After a beautiful Evensong, conferees gathered together for the other Friday tradition of the Frolic. Don't know what that is? Guess you'll have to register next year to find out!

Our days are becoming numbered and we're so sad about that. Two more days on the Holy Mountain.

07/11/2025

Interested in watching Evensong this evening? Check out the link below to watch!

07/11/2025

SCMC 2025 | Day 4 Recap

Another beautiful day of making beautiful music with each other. Along with rehearsals, Eucharist for St. Benedict, and a wonderful reception for the members of the Sewanee Society.

Tomorrow is our first service open to the public, our Friday afternoon Evensong. This event will be live-streamed for those not able to join us in person. Check back tomorrow morning for the link.

07/10/2025

SCMC 2025 | Day 3 Recap

We spent a lot of time in All Saints' Chapel today. Not that we're complaining. Rehearsals, the annual service for the departed, organ recitals, and of course, friendships.

Another good day today, looking forward to an even better tomorrow.