Jay Beech's Biography
Baptized into the death of Christ and raised again to new life...
- Summary
- Publications
- Notable Events
- Positions
“Baptized into the death of Christ and raised again to new life…”
These are the words of St. Paul paraphrased in the signature song by Jay Beech, “Baptized.” This gifted artist has performed and led worship all over the country in venues ranging from stadiums to small country churches. He has long been recognized for his creative blending of musical energy and theological substance, and his ability to lift up ancient traditions within a modern context.
As a composer, Jay has the ability to bring the Biblical narrative to life in a deeply meaningful and relevant way. Seeking to express both the holiness and the compassion of God, his appreciation for the paradoxical nature of life and faith makes his music truly unique. His published works include hymns, liturgies, camp songs, musicals, and anthems that are sung each week in congregations throughout the United States.
Before the days when The Jay Beech Band was a favorite at youth gatherings, before there was a worship & praise industry, Jay was deeply committed to congregational singing and participation. He now shares this passion as a frequent presenter at workshops addressing trends in church music.
His musical vocabulary ranges effortlessly from blues to ballad, from hymn to funky jazz. Always surrounded by outstanding musicians, a performance or worship service with Jay Beech will be a truly inspiring experience.
Jay is the owner of Baytone Music. He has also worked as a church musician at several congregations including 16 years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. He is now retired and living in Minneapolis.
Publications
| 1982 | The Death of the Stickman recording | Eagle Records |
| 1985 | We Welcome You musical | Baytone Music |
| 1988 | The Rock Hymnal songbook and recording | Baytone Music |
| 1989 | Big World Getting Smaller recording | Baytone Music |
| 1991 | The Rock Hymnal, vol.2 songbook and recording | Baytone Music |
| 1991 | Catechism Cataclysm musical book and recording | Baytone Music |
| 1992 | Together in Jesus' Name VBS musical | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1994 | One Body, Alive! communion liturgy and recording | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1994 | The Jay Beech Band Vocal Project recording | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1995 | Awesome Adventures VBS musical | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1995 | “Return to the Lord” & “Lamb of God” from Cup of Blessing liturgy included in With One Voice hymnal (#615 & #622) | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1997 | “Rise Up with Christ” choral anthem | Neil A. Kjos Music |
| 1997 | “Every Time I Think of You” published as ELCA church-wide stewardship theme song | ELCA |
| 1997 | “The Church Song” included in Songs for Sunday School | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1997 | “Start All Over Again” published with VBS music | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1997 | “You Are My Light” 2-prt. octavo published | Baytone Music |
| 1998 | “The Church Song” published in the ELCA cong. annual report cover | ELCA |
| 1998 | “Name Above All Names” featured in Leading the Church's Song instructional resource | Augsburg Fortress |
| 1999 | Six hymns in Worship and Praise hymnal | Augsburg Fortress |
| 2001 | To the Castle: A Musical for Stewards published as ELCA church-wide stewardship resource | ELCA |
| 2001 | Everyone Who Is Thirsty, Come! congregational song resource | Baytone Music |
| 2002 | “Our God Is Gracious” SATB octavo published | Baytone Music |
| 2003 | Five songs included in Chalice Praise hymnal | Chalice Press |
| 2004 | “Life is Good” theme song and worship materials commissioned for ELCA Outdoor Ministries summer curriculum | ELCA |
| 2004 | John Helgen choral arrangement of “All Is Ready Now” | Augsburg Fortress |
| 2006 | “Sanctus” & “Lamb of God” included in Setting 8, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW - pp.190-191) | Augsburg Fortress |
| 2007 | The Race: A Simplicity Musical produced under the auspices of ELCA Hunger Program | ELCA & Baytone |
| 2009 | BaytoneMusic.com redesigned and opened as web publishing site and online store | Baytone Music |
Notable Events
| 1988 | Jay Beech Band is music leader for ELCA National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, TX |
| 1991 | Jay Beech Band is music leader for ELCA National Youth Gathering in Dallas, |
| 1994 | Jay Beech Band is music leader for ELCA National Youth Gathering in Atlanta, GA |
| 1995 | Jay Beech Band performs at ELCA church-wide Assembly Festival-Target Center, Mpls. |
| 1997 | Music leader for ELCA church-wide stewardship conference |
| 1998 | Music leader for ELCA church-wide stewardship conference |
| 1999 | Co-organizer of Lutheran Worship in Dynamic Balance workshops presented in cooperation with NWMN, SWMN, END, & SD Synods of the ELCA |
| 2000 | Music leader for ELCA church-wide stewardship conference | 2003 | Music leader for Luther Seminary Mid-winter Convocation closing worship |
| 2003 | Worship leader for ELCA Bishops' Assistants conference |
| 2003 | Worship leader for ELCA National Outdoor Ministries conference |
| 2003 2004 | Co-organizer of Contemporary Worship & Beyond summer worship & music training conference at Concordia College |
| 2005 | Worship leader for Spirit of Youth Ministry ecumenical conference in Hartford, CT |
| 2006 | Worship leader for National Council of Churches Youth Workers' Summit in Orlando, FL |
Positions
| 1982-1996 | Full-time independent itinerant church musician |
| 1996-1997 | Vinje Lutheran, Willmar, MN - part-time worship planning and director of liturgical ensemble |
| 1996-1997 | Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Cloud, MN - part-time worship planning and director of liturgical ensemble |
| 1998-2006 | Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN - Director of Music |
| 2006-2013 | Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN - worship planner and ensemble director |
| 2013-2017 | The Center for Worship & Music Studies - Executive Director |
| 2017-present | Retired |