Worship for Children & Students

The Mississippi Baptist All-State Youth Choir and Orchestra began in 1991 with the purpose of musically and spiritually strengthen high school students from Mississippi Baptist churches. This auditioned group is comprised of students who have completed 9th-12th grades and are active participants in the worship ministries of Mississippi Baptist churches and have been recommended by their church leadership. These young people share their love for Christ and their giftings in music through ministry and mission projects throughout the state and across the country. Students participate in a three-day rehearsal camp and a six-day worship concert tour. For more information about MBASYCO, contact Event Coordinator, Elizabeth Knight.

Audition interviews for the MBASYC&O are held each September and October in several locations around Mississippi. Students in grades 9 through 12 who are active members of music ministries in Southern Baptist churches are eligible to audition. Both vocal and instrumental auditions are given at each location.

HeartSong is a week-long summer worship and arts camp for students who have completed 6th-12th grades.  The mission of HeartSong is to help young people mature as disciples of Jesus Christ. Camp leaders utilize mentorship and a variety of worship arts classes to help participants discover their unique giftings while encouraging them to use those giftings for the glory of God. For more information about HeartSong, contact Event Coordinator, Jason Walker.

The Mississippi Baptist Young Musicians Honor Choir is an auditioned choir for students in grades 4-6 representing churches from across Mississippi.  This weekend-long annual fall event includes choral singing, worship arts activities, a worship concert on Saturday night, and participation in the host church’s Sunday morning worship experience. Video auditions are submitted every spring prior to the Fall event. For more information about Young Musicians Honor Choir, contact Children’s Choir Consultant, Wyndy South.

Cost for 2024 is $80

Summer Music and Arts Camp for Kids (SMACK) is a worship leadership and discipleship camp for children who have completed 3rd-6th grades.  At SMACK, campers will participate in kid-friendly worship and Bible study, music games and activities, recreation and nightly fellowships as well as daily musical rehearsals in preparation for an end of the week worship presentation on the last night of camp. SMACK is an action-packed week full of fun for all! For more information, contact Event Coordinator, Hope Smith.

2024 Information: Camp Dates 07/9-12 at William Carey University

The Mississippi Baptist Area Keyboard Festivals are for students Grades K5-12 who study piano or organ.  At each festival location, they will play or accompany a hymn, spiritual, or praise song and will be encouraged and critiqued by piano teachers and led by local ministers of music when there is congregational singing. Of course, the ultimate goal is to encourage students to continue studying to lead from the keyboard at a local church.