On October 20, 2014 The Fellowship of California Church Musicians’ Conference presented to Dr. Merril Smoak, Dean of Olivet University’s Jubilee College of Music, the JOSEPH DANIEL EXCELLENCE IN CHURCH MUSIC AWARD.  The award states that Dr. Smoak was presented the Joseph Daniel Award “For his excellent musical leadership for the cause of Christ in California.” 

The award is named in honor of Joseph Daniel one of the pioneers of church music among the Southern Baptist churches of California.  The Fellowship of California Church Musicians meets each October in association with the annual meeting of the CSBC.  The event features workshops, seminars, conferences, and concerts to inspire and train music leaders.   

Since 2006 Merril Smoak has served on the faculty of the Jubilee College of Music. His main teaching responsibilities include Worship Studies, Congregational Song, and Vocal Ensemble. In the JCM Master of Arts degree program he is the primary mentor in the Worship Leadership project curriculum. Since 1978 Merril Smoak has served on the pastoral staff of 

Trinity Church, Livermore, CA as Associate Pastor of Music & Worship.  The Fellowship of Church Musicians is an organization of local church music leaders and church music participants open to Christina musicians.  The organization holds conferences each year around November. 

For more information, visit http://www.caworship.com