08/07/2026
🎵 RENAISSANCE EXPANDS WITH NEW COUNTRY BAND, ANNOUNCES THREE LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
One of the most common questions we've been asked over the years is:
"When are you going to start a Country Band?"
The wait is over.
This fall, Bethel Renaissance, part of the newly formed School of Visual and Performing Arts, is launching the Renaissance Country Band, the newest addition to our growing family of performance groups. Country music has deep roots in Tennessee, and we're thrilled to offer current and future students another outstanding opportunity to perform, tour, develop their craft, and prepare for careers in the music industry and beyond!
Launching a new group requires an exceptional leadership team. We’re thrilled to welcome three outstanding musicians and leaders who are joining Renaissance in part-time staff roles and will help shape the future of our program.
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🎸 RANDLE CURRIE — Country Band Director
Leading our new Country Band is one of Nashville's most respected musicians.
For more than 25 years, Randle Currie has toured the world as Brad Paisley's steel guitarist, performing on 11 albums featuring 14 No. 1 country hits. Along the way, he has also recorded with artists including John Michael Montgomery, Albert Lee, and Raul Malo, while touring with Martina McBride and Bryan White. Students will have the opportunity to learn from someone who has spent decades performing at the highest levels of country music.
"The Country Band has been a dream of ours for years," said Dr. C. Scott Shepherd, Associate Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, "but we were determined to launch it the right way. When Randle agreed to join us, we knew the time had come. We simply couldn't imagine a better person to launch this exciting new group."
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🎹 BYRON CHANEY — Rhythm Section Director
We're excited to welcome Byron Chaney back to Renaissance.
One of the early standout musicians to emerge from the Renaissance program, Byron has built an outstanding career as a musician, producer, music director, educator, and entrepreneur. His professional credits include contributing to the Billboard Top 10 R&B hit "Fell in Love" featuring Anthony Hamilton, while also serving as a music director for nationally recognized artists and ministries.
Throughout his career, Byron has collaborated with legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Frankie Beverly & Maze, The Isley Brothers, Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, Tank, Ginuwine, Bobby Jones, Keke Wyatt, Summer Walker, London On Da Track, King George, and many others.
Today, Byron serves as Director of Digital Audio Production at Jackson Central-Merry High School, where he is preparing the next generation of musicians, producers, and audio professionals for successful careers in the music industry.
"When we began searching for someone to lead our rhythm section, one name continually rose to the top: Byron Chaney," Shepherd said. "As one of Renaissance's own, he brings the professional experience, heart for students, and leadership we were looking for. We're thrilled to welcome our first choice home."
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🪕 SOPHIA WRIGHT — Bluegrass Coordinator
We're equally excited to welcome Sophia Wright into this new leadership role.
A Bethel Renaissance alumna, Sophia has become a respected leader in bluegrass programming and event management. Through her work with Bethel University, Ozark Mountain Music, and the International Bluegrass Music Association, she has coordinated festivals, performances, artist relations, educational camps, and live events while earning a reputation for exceptional planning, organization, and relationship-building across the bluegrass community.
Sophia will continue serving as Bethel University's Director of Student Engagement and Student Organizations while assuming this new part-time role as Renaissance Bluegrass Coordinator. Her passion for students, organizational excellence, and deep understanding of the bluegrass world make her the ideal person to help lead the continued growth of Renaissance Bluegrass.
"There are few young leaders I respect more than Sophia Wright," Shepherd said. "I've wanted Sophia to be part of our Renaissance leadership team for years. She loves students, understands this program, and is exactly the right person to help lead the next chapter of Renaissance Bluegrass."
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Renaissance has always been about connecting students with extraordinary mentors. With the addition of our new Country Band and the leadership of Randle, Byron, and Sophia, we're creating even more opportunities for students to discover their gifts, refine their craft, and prepare for meaningful careers in the performing arts.
From choirs and worship teams to theatre, production, instrumental ensembles, bluegrass, and now our new Country Band, Renaissance continues to expand the ways students can grow as artists while learning from professionals who have built remarkable careers in the performing arts.
Whether a student dreams of performing on stage, leading worship, touring with an ensemble, producing in the studio, or building a career behind the scenes, Renaissance is committed to providing the mentorship, training, and real-world experiences that help turn those dreams into reality.
"Renaissance has never simply been about adding more ensembles," Shepherd said. "It's about surrounding students with extraordinary mentors. Every time we add leaders like Randle, Byron, and Sophia, we're investing directly in our students and in the future of Renaissance."
Please join us in welcoming Randle, Byron, and Sophia to the Renaissance family. We can't wait to see what this next chapter holds!
