One of the oldest conventions of its kind, the annual Hampton Ministers’ Conference recently commemorated 95 years of providing education and inspiration to musicians and ministers. Held on the campus of Hampton University, the Convocation Center played host to pastors, organists and singers from a variety of denominations. For accompaniment, the organizers turned to Rodgers and Roland, who teamed up to provide instruments that could cover the wide range of styles and traditions represented by this diverse congregation.

A focal point on the huge arena platform was a three-manual Rodgers Trillium Masterpiece organ. The sound system for the organ was custom designed and installed by R.A. Daffer Church Organs. “We’ve been using Rodgers organs at Hampton for years,” says Daffer V.P., Al Murrell. “When it comes to classical organs, the folks here are very knowledgeable and they want the best for the conference. So, the Trillium is a perfect choice.”

Hampton is a place where the best of classical and contemporary traditions come together, so they rounded out the platform with a full complement of instruments from Roland, including the RD-700GX, Fantom-G, and V-Drums. Veteran producer and musician Bobby Wooten was consulted to make sure Hampton stays on the cutting edge. “We recognize that churches are covering more ground stylistically than ever before,” says Bobby. “So, we need to offer state-of-the-art instruments across the musical spectrum. This year, we even set up another venue in the Chapel for rehearsals and jam sessions. People are in there until 2 a.m. every night playing the Roland gear!”

Legendary organist Don Lewis has performed at the Hampton conference for years, and this time around he provided hands-on training on the Roland AT-900C Atelier organ and VP-770 Vocal Designer keyboard. “Organists and singers are starting to understand how much they can accomplish with these instruments,” beams Don. “You don’t have to be a virtuoso or tech-wiz. With your creativity and passion, a little know-how goes a long way and can make a huge difference in a church music program of any size!”

Roland’s convenient portable recording technologies were also on display at Hampton. Preachers were excited to try out the handheld R-09HR. WAV/MP3 Recorder from Edirol (another brand in the Roland family). They were amazed at the ability to capture their sermons in professional quality—right from the pulpit—with the R-09HR’s built-in microphones, and the ease of transferring the recordings to a computer for quick and easy podcasting. And choir directors were wowed by the Roland CD-2e, which allows them to capture rehearsals and immediately burn them direct to CD for sharing.

With so many instruments from the Roland/Rodgers family all over the campus, everyone had the opportunity to experience the advantages that modern technology can bring to the worship arts. By the end of the conference, musicians and ministers alike were abuzz with the creative possibilities, excited to head home and implement them in their ministries.