By Morgan M

izell

NATCHEZ — Derrick Burt never thought his path would lead him to Natchez.

But the director of music ministries at First Baptist Church in Natchez is embracing the city and church that has welcomed him with open arms.

In the 1980s, Burt came to Mississippi to play basketball for Jackson State University.

The NCAA rules stated that players who switched colleges must sit out a year. It was during that time that a friend invited him to choir practice. Six months later, Burt performed in his first opera.

“I was invited to come to Julliard, but I turned it down,” Burt said. “I battled between studying opera and performing Christian music.”

At that time, Burt’s musical mentor, Larry Robinson, was the artistic choral director of the Harlem Boys Choir for more than 10 years.

“Under his tutorship, I had the opportunity to sing all over the world,” Burt said.

Burt had performed in many locations for noted dignitaries and celebrities, but he tells everyone that is only part of his story.

“I opened for Aretha Franklin, sang for presidents and even been to the West Angeles Church of Christ where Denzel Washington and Magic Johnson worship,” Burt said.

Burt noted several other musical highlights on his journey, including studio sessions with famous artists and performing for the troops and the Promise Keepers convention.

His last five years have been spent in a much larger venue. He spoke of the congregation of Pinelake Church in Jackson.

“It was a bit of a shock coming from a church with roughly 23,000 members to a city that was not much bigger,” Burt said.

Burt performed more contemporary Christian music at Pinelake for five years, where he was the interim vocal and worship arts pastor.

Each Sunday, they had nine services in four locations. He then became the global music leader.

His next move would be to Natchez and the First Baptist Church, where he has been since January.

“I have always loved to sing.” Burt said. “Even as a child, I would stand in front of the mirror performing for the millions of fans I could hear in my mind. I always wanted to be involved with music but never knew that I would be.”

Burt is not a stranger to Natchez.

“I was here 10 years ago to sing for a Christmas Cantata for Larry Black who was the interim music director,” Burt said. “I had been back four or five times since that time.”

Burt enthusiasm for the choir at First Baptist is apparent.

“I think that we have grown as a worshiping unit and grown in vision,” said Burt. “I believe that a goal for us would be that we will get to a place where we can write our own music and do more community outreach.”

There are three components to the music ministries at the church —senior choir, youth ensemble and the praise team.

“If they sing in the youth group, I like to see them join the choir,” Burt said.  “Everyone is welcome.”

The transition has been an adjustment for Burt.

“I am having fun and getting my feet under me,” Burt said. “It is growing on me.”

Burt said he believes that music can sometimes reach a person when a sermon may not.

“I think God intends us to have worship to tenderize our hearts. I think it is a key for Christianity. The word of God is for us, and the worship is for him.” Burt said. “He gave us the word, and we can give him a song.”

Burt said the church is excited about some of their upcoming events including a football Sunday Sept. 28, where local high school teams will be in attendance and a full band will lead them in a contemporary service.

On Dec. 13 in the evening, the church will host a Christmas presentation titled, “There is Peace in the World Tonight.”

“I hope to have more events coming soon,” Burt said.

Another unique feature for Burt is that he still resides in Jackson with his wife of 32 years, Kim, and his children, Derrick II and Jillian.

First Baptist Church has services at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information on upcoming events, call 601-442-1464.