Department of Music Faculty Transitions
After thirty-seven years of faithful service at Maranatha, and after influencing thousands of students to develop and use their musical talents for Christ, Dr. David Ledgerwood is stepping down from his position as the chair of Maranatha’s Department of Music. At the close of the 2022-2023 academic year, Dr. Ledgerwood will transition into a part-time faculty position. He plans to teach a reduced load of courses and lessons as he moves toward retirement.
Dr. David Ledgerwood has taught at MBU since 1986 and has expertly guided Maranatha’s Music Department as department chair since 2003. Dr. Ledgerwood states,
God led me in 1986 to seek a place where God’s Word was honored and where I could sharpen my musical skills. I consider my coming to Maranatha an answer to prayer. I am grateful to have given so much of my life seeing the music program grow in depth and breadth. I have had the privilege of interacting with gifted and consecrated faculty and students who share a commitment to biblical ideals of character formation, work ethic, and skill development.
As Maranatha continues to move forward, the University is pleased to announce that Dr. Douglas Bachorik has accepted a position as a member of the music faculty beginning in August 2023.
Dr. Bachorik brings a wealth of musical knowledge and practical experience to this ministry. Since 2002, he has served as the Director of Music Studies at Bob Jones Memorial Bible College in the Philippines, where he teaches courses in conducting, theology of music, and congregational worship, along with co-conducting orchestra and choirs.
Bachorik says,
I look forward to joining the outstanding music faculty at MBU in the vital work of training and mentoring musicians for a life of service and accomplishment. MBU has a long history of excellence driven by a devotion to seeing the Lord glorified through music. By the grace of God, I hope to continue that tradition and enrich it. To serve the Lord in ministry and prosper professionally in any environment, a Christian musician must fully develop musical skills, teaching and leading abilities, knowledge, and discernment. All of this must be undergirded by a biblical perspective on the nature of music and its appropriate use in life and worship. I am very excited to bring my experience in the Philippines to join MBU in that mission.
Regarding Dr. Bachorik’s new position, Dr. Ledgerwood writes,
I could not be more pleased that God has led Dr. Bachorik to Maranatha. I believe that he possesses the spiritual and musical qualities that will strengthen and enhance the musical offerings at MBU and, in addition, provide solid spiritual and musical counsel in the years ahead.
The Board of Trustees will appoint the new Music Department Chair at their meeting in December. Watch MBU News in the coming months for articles detailing the ministries of both Dr. Ledgerwood and Dr. Bachorik.