Our first public performance

Singing Men of Arkansas Mission Statement:
"Singing Men of Arkansas is an auditioned men's choir pursuing professional excellence in choral sound. Utilizing a broad variety of repertoire, SMA endeavors to inspire and entertain audiences through dynamic choral performance."

The idea for Singing Men of Arkansas (SMA) began on October 9, 2007, at a local restaurant with a conversation between two men experienced in vocal participation, presentation and leadership. On October 31, 2007, the idea had expanded to a Governing Council of seven men and an outstanding choral leader and director with national and international experience, Mike Bedford. By the end of that day the name Singing Men of Arkansas was selected. SMA was on its way!

The first audition was held in November, 2007. Demand and interest from men required two additional auditions - December 2007 and January 2008. Therefore, this organization began with 41 quality voices at its first rehearsal on January 15, 2008. All auditions were held at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale, Arkansas. Weekly rehearsals are now held at Mary Frances George Junior High School in Springdale, Arkansas from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday evenings in the fall and spring semesters.

Singing Men of Arkansas performed in public for the first time on February 3, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church in Springdale, Arkansas.

Enrollment takes place during the months of January for the Spring semester and August for the Fall semester each year. The summer months have fewer rehearsals so that vacations may be taken. We have recorded two CDs. You can order the CDs on the Store page.

Click Here to read the Singing Men of Arkansas Articles of Association

Mike Bedford studied music education and Christian education at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas where he received his BS degree. He did additional studies at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, Texas. He participated in Singing Men of Texas under the direction of Buryl Red and in the Singing Men of West Texas under the direction of Bill Green.

Mike Bedford has extensive experience in choral work. He has conducted large choirs and orchestras in Texas, Florida, Missouri and Arkansas but now permanently resides in Northwest Arkansas. He has produced concerts nationally with such artists as Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, BJ Thomas and Bill Gaither. He formerly served as Vice President on the Gospel Music Association Board of Directors which produces the nationally televised Dove Awards. He has toured choirs and produced concerts both nationally and internationally. Mike Bedford formerly served as Minister of Music at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and produced the Fayetteville Christmas Pageant at Walton Arts Center.

Associate Director Jerry Newman jnewman29@hotmail.com 479-601-6922

Jerry Newman surrendered to God’s call in the Music Ministry in 1969 at First Baptist Church, Denver City, Texas. He began leading the music in revivals at the age of 16. Along with his involvement in Music Ministry, Jerry performed in numerous musical productions and competitions. He also toured with choirs both nationally and internationally. He studied music and drama at Baylor University in Waco, Texas as well as music and Christian education at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. He received his BBS degree in Church Music and Religious Education from Hardin-Simmons University. For 17 years, he served as Minister of Music at various churches in Texas and Indiana. He also participated in Singing Men of Texas under the direction of Buryl Red and in the Singing Men of West Texas under the direction of Ty Morris.

Jerry Newman now resides in Northwest Arkansas and has been an active member in choirs at both University Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He has been a member at First Baptist Church since 1991 and served as Interim Music Director in 1992. He and his wife, Cozelle, own a local restaurant in Fayetteville.

Accompanist Jonathan Story

Fayetteville native Jonathan Story recently completed his Master's Degree in Piano Performance at the University of Arkansas, where he studied with Professor Jura Margulis. Dubbed "Fayetteville's Piano Man" by the Northwest Arkansas Times, Story has collaborated with the North Arkansas Symphony, the University of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and The Arkansas Philharmonic. He has served as accompanist of the Barbara Mashburn Scholarship Foundation, Schola Cantorum and Concert Choir at the U of A, and the Gospel Echoes Quartet. He has served as organist of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville for seven years, and has accompanied Singing Men of Arkansas since 2008. He serves on the Board of the Barbara Mashburn Scholarship Foundation and the Washington County Historical Society, and is a member of the Fayetteville Downtown Rotary Club, which recently named him a Paul Harris Fellow.

Governing Council Members