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2024 ACDA Southern Region Conference February 21-24, 2024 Louisville, Kentucky

Belmont University mative experience of ancient chant; festive hymns for
The Pitchmen voices, brass, and handbells; original compositions by
Benedict Sheehan; congregational anthems written by
Dan Forrest and Tony Silvestri; and music and texts
from myriad traditions. Pianist/composer Dan For-
rest, The Chancel Choir of Christ Church UMC, the
Bronze Ringers of Floyd Central (IN) High School,
and professional ensemble Artefact lead our worship.

Artefact Ensemble

The Pitchmen are Belmont University’s all-male-
identifying a cappella group from Nashville, Tennes-
see. From their debut album, Ultraviolet, to becoming
the 2023 ICCA Champions and taking home numer-
ous awards for outstanding soloists, outstanding chore-
ography, and outstanding vocal percussion throughout
the competition season, the student-run group prides
themselves on singing a broad range of music that of-
fers something different for each and every audience
member to enjoy. This year, every group member
comes from a diverse background and brings with them Artefact Ensemble brings together leading vocal art-
an array of unique talents and perspectives. The group ists from around the country to craft immersive experi-
sets high standards for the character of their members ences of human connection through the transforming
and is known for the welcoming atmosphere they strive power of song. Partnering with schools, community or-
to create. ganizations, and religious institutions, Artefact Ensem-
ble—in collaboration with its sister organization, Ar-
tefact Institute—offers workshops, masterclasses, and
co-operative music-making experiences to students,
Worship Experience teachers of music, music ministers, and underprivi-
leged audiences who might not otherwise have access
to high-level ensemble music. In 2021, Artefact was
Under the Firmament of Heaven: featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New
A Creation Service York, performing the world premiere of Arvo Pärt’s O

Holy Father Nicholas.
In the resplendent Cathedral of the Assumption,
our worship experience explores ancient stories and Benedict Sheehan is a two-time Gram-
themes of creation, fallen humanity, and ultimate re- my nominee and American Prize winner.
demption through God’s vision for a community con- He has been called “a choral conductor
nected by divine love. The worship design team, led and composer to watch in the 21st centu-
by composer/creators Benedict and Talia Sheehan and ry” (ConcertoNet). He is artistic director
lyricist/poet Tony Silvestri, has developed a transfor- and founder of Artefact Ensemble and the Grammy-

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5 65