Hansford Writes Instrumental Textbook

Dr. Jim Hansford, professor of music and director of bands at Oklahoma Baptist University, recently co-wrote and edited, The Instrumental Resource for Church and School. The 400-page textbook, published by Church Street Press, was compiled and edited by Hansford and Dr. Julie Barrier, an adjunct professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and associate minister of worship at Casas Adobe Baptist Church in Tucson, Ariz. 

The text, which features more than 40 prominent contributors, includes articles by Camp Kirkland, Jon Duncan, Douglas Yeo, Jeff Cranfill, Doug Smith, John Gage, and David Winkler. In addition to compiling and editing, Hansford wrote the chapter, "The Instrumental Conductor," and had input in "The Christian School Instrumental Music Educator."

The coordinating editor for the project was Mark Johnson, a 1982 OBU graduate and a ministry specialist in recording and publishing for Lifeway Christian Resources.

"Until the release of this textbook, there was no single resource available where all this information could be accessed," Hansford said. "This is an excellent desk resource for the local minister of music, the instrumental church music director, or the Christian school band or orchestra director."

Each section includes a list of web sites relevant to the topics discussed.

"This textbook can serve as a vital tool for musicians who strive to create meaningful instrumental worship," Hansford said

The textbook also presents a historical perspective on instruments in worship, insight on launching a fine arts academy and information on instrumental music arrangement. It includes more than 150 photographs. It also contains examples and charts, a scripture index, a chart of ranges and transpositions for the orchestral instruments and a general index.

Hansford has taught advanced conducting, instrumental music education, and brass courses at OBU since 1990. He conducts the Symphonic Band and the newly organized Shawnee Community Orchestra.

He earned a bachelor of music education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and master of music education and doctoral degrees in music from the University of North Texas. He has completed further study in conducting in symposiums with H. Robert Reynolds, Craig Kirchhoff, Eugene Corporon, Allen McMurry, and Jack Stamp.

Hansford is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in both public school and church arenas.