06/29/2026
As we reflect on the incredible success of the 40th Anniversary of the Alabama School of Gospel Music, we are reminded of a simple truth: no ministry succeeds without faithful people serving behind the scenes. Too often, we fail to give credit where it is due. Today, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the many individuals whose dedication, talent, and servant hearts made this year's session our best yet.
First, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outstanding faculty, led by Mr. Tom Powell. Their classroom instruction and private lessons were second to none, providing approximately 300 individual lessons in piano, voice, and songwriting over the course of the two-week session. We are deeply grateful to Tom Powell, Dr. Lisa Powell, Jenice Fitts, Jessica Duncan, Eric Tippens, Tracey Phillips, Daryl Williams, and Becky Walker for their unwavering commitment to our students. We also thank Genna Bain for offering a special class on music notation software. Our faculty truly represents the very best, and we are grateful for the way they use their God-given talents to invest in the next generation of church musicians. The Group Singing sessions, directed by Tom Powell and accompanied by Tracey Phillips, were among the most powerful and spiritually uplifting we have ever experienced.
Our staff once again exceeded every expectation. Christopher Smith's leadership throughout the year in registration, scholarships, fundraising, and administration provides the foundation that allows ASGM to thrive. His organization, vision, and sense of humor keep us moving forward, and we are also grateful for his accompaniment during Group Singing while Tracey was teaching private lessons.
We are thankful for Linda Jones, who lovingly served as our Dorm Parent, and Amos Jones, who faithfully assisted with building security each day. The Jones family has faithfully supported ASGM for many years, and we are blessed by their continued service.
Our Secretary, Susan O'Mary, devoted countless hours to securing two significant grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils. These grants provided funding for classroom supplies, songbooks, advertising materials, name badges, and many other necessities that will benefit ASGM for years to come.
Erin Lee once again managed registration with excellence, kept our digital operations running smoothly, and continues to oversee our online store. Behind the scenes, Erin spends hundreds of hours each year organizing registrations, communicating with scholarship recipients, and ensuring every detail is in place before students ever arrive on campus.
Our President, Dennis George, once again provided steady leadership, working closely with Snead State Community College to ensure another successful session. Jeff Adcock faithfully assisted with setup and teardown and helped recruit new students throughout the year. Whenever challenges arose, Dennis was always ready to find a solution.
We are especially grateful to Betty Holcomb, our longtime Treasurer and CPA, whose faithful stewardship keeps our financial records in excellent order. Through the leadership of Betty, Dennis George, Christopher Smith, and Susan O'Mary, ASGM's financial future is perhaps stronger than it has ever been. To our Board of Directors, thank you for working so hard to keep us alive in the field of Gospel Music. Our continued increase in enrollment is a testament to your dedication.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Whitmore, Lindsey Hubbard, and Dr. Ruhleder at Snead State Community College for welcoming us with open arms and helping us celebrate this milestone throughout the year. Their partnership continues to be an incredible blessing to our ministry.
We are deeply grateful to our scholarship donors and memorial funds. Because of your generosity, we were able to award $18,000 in scholarships for the 2027 session of the Alabama School of Gospel Music. Your investment ensures that students will continue to receive quality Christian music education for generations to come. We are truly "incredibly loved and abundantly blessed."
As we begin preparing for our 41st session, we ask that you continue to pray for the ministry of ASGM. We would not have celebrated 40 years of music education without the faithful support of so many individuals, churches, donors, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. This school has been a Spirit-filled ministry for four decades, and it is our prayer that it will continue being just that!
We invite you to join us May 30 through June 11, 2027, for another unforgettable summer of music, fellowship, and Christian education. Visit http://www.alabamagospel.com to learn more about the school, make a donation, or establish a scholarship that will help change a student's life.
Thank you for making the 40th Anniversary of the Alabama School of Gospel Music one for the history books. We look forward to seeing you in 2027!
