David’s Creed Records in Professional Studio

October 19, 2016

Students at Oklahoma Baptist University receive a world class education. They are taught by professors with expertise in their fields, real-world experience, and knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of their subject matter. They are challenged by fellow students who push one another to achieve, all striving together to learn all they can in order to prepare for the callings on their lives. Yet, while the academic emphasis of an OBU education is rightly the focus, students on Bison Hill also have chances at life-changing opportunities, where they match their classroom learning with real life application.

So it was earlier this year for the student members of David’s Creed, OBU’s traveling student worship band, when they had the life-changing opportunity to record songs of their own creation in a professional studio with the guidance of a professional engineer.

The project was organized by Justin Pierce, assistant professor in instrumental music and 2015-16 director of David’s Creed. The university hired engineer and producer David Pardo to complete the project, when the group hit the studio in May 2016.

“Recording David's Creed was an absolute pleasure,” Pardo said. “These young musicians have generously put their talents together to enrich each other's songs and the result is a very honest rendition of their composition. There is space for each instrument and each voice to exalt God in their own way, and the warmth of their personalities went through the recording.”

“David's Creed is doing a very valuable work,” he said. “I hope many people get access to their music, and through it, that they reach many hearts in the name of God.”

David’s Creed is an auditioned praise ensemble started by the OBU Division of Music in 2007. Its primary purpose is to connect OBU with the churches in Oklahoma and the surrounding region by serving those churches in worship through music, testimony, and God’s Word. Participants receive scholarship money, must maintain a 2.5 grade point average, and must be of exemplary character.

Those participating in the recording sessions included Emmalee Ewbank, lead vocals; Iveth Luna, harmony vocals; Victoria Thrutchley, violin; Megan Mattke, keyboard; Demarcus Baysmore, acoustic and electric guitars; Trevor Schlosser, bass; and Ashley Pierce, drums.

The idea for the recording project stemmed from the band’s collaborative month of songwriting in March. Once they had a few songs, Pierce knew the band needed to document the great work the students had done.

“I am incredibly impressed with the hard work the students put in for this project,” Pierce said. “OBU uniquely challenges and motivates students as Christian thinkers, who influence the world for Christ in unique, valuable ways.”

After such a successful pioneer experience in the recording studio, David’s Creed has discussed future recording possibilities, such as collaborations with another student worship group, the 519 Collective.

Sophomore Emmalee Ewbank commented on her experience. “It was so fun to have the chance to get a taste of what recording music is like. It was definitely a great learning opportunity.”

The current edition of David’s Creed is now under the direction of Dr. Stephen Sims, assistant professor of music. To book the group or for more information, contact Sims at stephen.sims@okbu.edu.