About

Often referred to as “Mr. Acappella,” the cheesy handle doesn’t bother me as I wholeheartedly subscribe to the idea that the human voice is the greatest instrument of music ever created. Harmonizing hearts and voices in praise to the Creator is the highest calling of mankind.

In 1982, I founded the professional singing group, Acappella, and continue to be amazed by the ways that God continues to develop the original dream.  I’ve worked with many talented vocalists throughout our 28-plus year history and look forward to Acappella’s 30th anniversary reunion in 2012.  I’m also excited to be singing in a rare concert of Acappella CLASSIC on July 2, 2010 during our annual ACAFEST in Nashville, TN.

Providence smiled upon me in meeting my wife and partner, Alabama native, Sharon Moody at Freed-Hardeman University in the last century.  Shortly after our wedding in 1977, we moved to Williamstown Bible College to pursue a life of ministry.  While in West Virginia, we joined New Life Quartet’s national tours which became the predecessor of the full-time ministry of Acappella.

Acappella’s 25th Anniversary Reunion

During those college years, I pursued my love of songwriting; primarily in the emerging “new” style of contemporary Christian music.  With an emphasis on Scripture memorization, my focus became centered on writing Scripture-based songs.

Although we’ve always enjoyed traveling, opportunities to visit diverse cultures has increased dramatically after becoming official “musicianaries” for the Park Plaza Church of Christ in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I’ve never found a more mission-minded congregation. We are profoundly grateful to be sponsored by this wonderful family of Christians, where you’ll find us over twenty Sundays during the year.

The human voice is the greatest instrument of music ever created.

I started The Vocal Union, AVB, a solo ministry as well as recorded numerous specialized a cappella recording projects.  You’ll find our diverse catalog featured on our on-line Acappella Radio.  Along the way, I also launched ACAFEST, Praise & Harmony singing / worship workshops, and most recently, the Worship Leader Institute.  The Worship Leader Institute is a four-day bootcamp designed for busy individuals who seek advanced training to accentuate their worship leading skills.

Sharon and I are tremendously blessed with four children who share our love for the Lord and for music.  The singing ministry of Durant is one of the byproducts of that passion.

This year alone, our travels take us across the globe to work with fascinating people in places such as New Zealand, Brazil, the U.K., Japan and Africa.  We’ve found the love of harmony and singing to be universal and the need for the Gospel to be overwhelming.  There is no doubt that delivering the Good News through the vehicle of music makes for an intensely potent combination for good.  Perhaps the most rewarding experiences involve equipping churches in transforming their singing and leadership skills.  In addition, we ‘re amazed by the positive impact that Acappella concerts have in assisting missional churches with their outreach.

Hobbies? Photography (especially HDR photography) and blogging have become ideal hobbies to coincide with our busy travel schedule.  Yet, the constant mission travel has limited our opportunities to enjoy motorcycle touring.  Cruising is my favorite form of vacationing and we host singing cruises through Queenslander Tours.  Also, I don’t seem to find enough time to play guitar, which I began in earnest at the age of eight.

My primary mission is to inspire and motivate believers (especially non-musicians) to join the song of the universe and experience true worship.  It’s our sincere desire to preserve four-part harmony by providing ear-training materials designed for beginners and to develop well-trained and enthusiastic worship leaders.

Praise & Harmony recording sessions in Oklahoma

We enjoy recruiting the best volunteer singers from churches across the land to meet and record the Praise & Harmony CDs.  Following the success of the initial recordings, we are also planning sessions for teenagers only.  Along with the regular recordings, we enjoy attending annual events like the Tulsa Soulwinning Workshop (every March,) the Pepperdine Lectures (in May) and  of course, our very own international singing festival, ACAFEST.

I love interacting with people of similar interests and invite your comments and discussion through my blog articles.  Thanks so much for visiting!