MEET THE MUSIC TEAM
These musicians, songwriters, worship leaders, and producers are dedicated to connecting with each student to provide enhanced technical instruction and expanded knowledge to build their musical skills. We hope each guest will leave uniquely equipped to convey to their world the hope, love, truth, and passion of Christ!
MICHAEL BAHN/ Ascend Music Track Co-Director
SONGWRITER/WORSHIP CREATIVE ARTS ADMINISTRATOR
What a privilege Michael Bahn is joining us as Co-Director of Ascend 2023 Music Track! You sing his songs at your church which have topped Christian charts. He’s worked with numerous notable national artists, including Lincoln Brewster, Jared Anderson, Don Moen, Brothers McClurg, Phil Stacey, Brandon Bee, Kate White, and Chris & Conrad. Michael recently released his fifth worship album entitled “Clean” in January 2019 featuring top 10 CCLI charting worship favorites such as "Lion & The Lamb," "This is Amazing Grace" and "Good Good Father" plus studio and acoustic recordings of his original songs "Clean" and “You Are God." In addition to his ministry at River Valley Fellowship in Grants Pass Oregon, as Executive Pastor of Worship Creative Arts, Michael travels extensively, encouraging and equipping church leaders around the world. His songs are being translated and sung around the world as well. He values shepherding people through worship and teaching leaders as they seek to be more effective in laying down their lives in ministry....
JEREMY OLIVERIA/ Co-Director
Ascend Music Tracks
MUSICIAN/VOCALIST/PRODUCER @ STEREO CREATURE
Jeremy is leading a Recording Workshop. He is a multi-instrumentalist producer, recording artist, and vocalist. From touring, to recording and producing countless records for various artists, to leading worship for the last 10 years, to mentoring high schoolers in music production, Jeremy is passionate about authenticity and helping artists to find their calling. He currently produces and mixes records for musicians at his Recording Studio, Stereo Creature in Medford, Oregon. Indie Rock Cafe says "Oliveria’s style definitely engages with the critical writing style that shows a keen eye for assessing the world. The easy going guitar and percussion work lull the listener into hearing from the sage lyrical message delivered by the lead vocal." He has a heart for the experiences and soul of the young in current culture who are often without hope and his music often finds a home with them outside the walls of the church.
SAM PECK
LEAD PASTOR PHILLIPI CHURCH / WORSHIP
Sam has been leading worship at church in Southern Oregon for ten years. For six of those years, he served as the worship pastor at Heritage Christian Fellowship in Medford, Oregon. His last three years have been spent in Grants Pass as the church-planting pastor of Philippi. Sam has a specific passion for drawing the attention and adoration of the church upward to the preeminence and glory of Christ above all. He sees the role of worship leader as the primary calling of any pastor, regardless of their title.
JOSHUA JONES
SONGWRITER/WORSHIP LEADER/GUITARIST
Joshua is an accomplished professional guitarist, instructor & performer. He has studied with Ted Greene, published jazz guitarist. He also did session work and gave private instruction in Los Angeles. Joshua was the Music Director & Worship Leader for Vineyard Church in West Los Angeles. He teaches several styles of music as well as theory & fretboard familiarity.
JENNIFER DAVIS ABDO
VOCAL COACH
Ascend will be offering a vocal track with one of our FAVORITE EFFERVESCENT partnering professionals, Jen Davis Abdo!! Jennifer is just an epic inspiration in life and voice. She serves as the Director of Worship arts at Table Rock Fellowship in Medford, Oregon. And she regularly graces the local region with vocal performances at events and wineries with her energetic girl group The Rogue Suspects or Band of Brothers. She will help to raise your technical awareness and abilities to advance your vocal gifts to the next level and have you laughing and consumed with the joys of singing..
INSTRUMENTAL INSPIRATION
Ascend will be offering work sessions for an array of instruments, with particular focus on opportunity for participation in worship settings and specific skill set advancement. How does your instrument fit in a worship setting? How do worship leaders expand their inclusion of more instruments on the team. Or in whatever context you play, you will be more equipped. Advancement in your instrument skill takes dedicated practice over time. But our partnering professionals will help to raise your technical awareness and abilities to advance your gifts and expand your vision. Availability of classes depends on interest indicated at registration.