Bryan Vanderhill
Bryan wrote his first song in the 7th grade, a Beatles-inspired love tune called "Psychiatrist in Disguise." The song never made any top ten charts, but it was a humble first fruit of an early desire to express his thoughts and feelings through song.
Bryan grew up in northern Ohio, the oldest of three children. His mom was the spiritual leader of the household, planting seeds of faith that would eventually take root and grow after a period of wandering in the wilderness. Bryan is a huge Cleveland Indians fan, and he still eagerly anticipates the annual opening of spring training, when the sun is shining on all Tribe fans as they collectively hope with all their hearts that this will be the year!
After graduating from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1980 with a degree in marketing, Bryan headed to Texas, eager to spread his wings and see the world (or at least another part of the U.S.) While living in Houston, Bryan met and eventually married the girl he was meant to spend his life with. Her name is Karen, and she was a true Texas girl from Abilene.
Six years in the automobile business (and a few working in restaurant management) were enough to convince Bryan that he really hadn't found his life's calling. So, in the summer of 1989, he returned to school to earn a certificate in elementary education. It was also during this time that he began to feel the unmistakable tug of God on his heart. Through a series of changes in Karen's job situation, the couple (now with two little kids in tow) wound up where they are today, in beautiful Charlotte, NC.
In Charlotte Bryan and family found a warm, inviting congregation of fellow believers at Messiah Lutheran Church. Through Bible studies, Sunday School classes, spiritual retreats, and the convicting, yet inspiring preaching of Pastor Tim Baldinger, Bryan's relationship with the Lord finally began to put down some deep roots, and his love for music took on a whole new meaning. After years of sporadic use, the old guitar came out of the closet for good and became an instrument of praise and worship to our God.
In the summer of 1998, at the prompting of Pastor Tim and a few others, Messiah began its first contemporary worship service and Bryan joined as a singer and guitarist. Soon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Bryan began writing songs. Some were written to enhance Pastor Tim's sermon themes and were introduced to the congregation as worship songs. Others simply reflected Bryan's continuing spiritual journey and the questions, and insights that are the result of spending quality time with Jesus.
Today the praise team, now known as Promise, is still going strong. The group recorded and released its first CD of all original music in the fall of 2001. Two years later came "Truth Has a Name", and in October of 2007, "No Greater Cause." Promise occasionally hosts coffeehouse-style evenings inviting other Charlotte area artists. The group also has led worship or performed at many other local churches and venues, including the annual Lake Norman Lutheran Church Musicfest.
Bryan is currently a 6th grade math teacher and fast pitch softball coach at a Charlotte middle school. He continues to write, and has many home recordings that will be available soon on Indieheaven. He is honored to be called by God to speak to His people through songs, and thrilled to be a part of the talented and dedicated group of Christian artists at IH. Thanks be to God! He is truly awesome!
Influences
Beatles, Elton John, Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, just about any pop/rock artist from the 60's and 70s!
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Demos for next CD
| Song Title | Play | Buy | $ |
| Celebrate! |
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| $0.99 |
| How Majestic |
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| $0.99 |
| In Everything |
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| $0.99 |
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