Student's Music Recognized for Top Awards

The Cedarville University Department of Music and Worship announces the winners of its 4th annual Songwriting Competition. The competition, which was open to all current Cedarville University students, seeks to develop musical resources for congregational singing.  

“The heart of the worship degree is to prepare students to serve the Body of Christ, and this competition challenges our students to write theologically sound, musically compelling songs for congregations,” said Dr. Roger O’Neel, director of the worship program at Cedarville University.

Henry Sandlas, a junior studying mechanical engineering, won first place for “Forever on High.” Freshman Joseph Vroegop’s song, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” placed second, and sophomore Kevin Maillefer claimed third place for “Lord You Are Good.” Vroegop is majoring in pharmaceutical science, and Maillefer is studying worship.

Susan Plemons, assistant professor of worship and the coordinator of the songwriting competition, is grateful for the emphasis that Cedarville University places on writing new songs for church congregations.  

“Our worship department makes an effort to provide opportunities for students to develop their songwriting skills with workshops, songwriting circles, and events where students dialogue with current songwriters,” said Plemons. “I believe the combination of the worship education and Bible minor has resulted in songs that are professionally crafted, theologically sound and ready to minister to churches.” All students graduate with a Bible minor at Cedarville University.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.