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December 2024
Tudman making music with original compositions
At the tender age of 11, James Tudman wrote his first song.
Now, forty years later, he’s channeled a lifetime love for ministry, worship, and God into a thriving side business of music composition and production.
A 2007 graduate of the Amarillo campus, James continued with his master’s degree in 2009 and worked for the campus for several years. For the past four years, he has worked as a case manager in security operations at Pantex.
But when he’s not at his day job, James can probably be found writing, rehearsing, recording with local artists or serving in music ministry roles at Power Church in Amarillo. A native of Yuma, Ariz., who grew up in east Texas, James said his love for music and his talent in that area started early.
“I guess I was born with it (the talent). It always interested me, and I thought, ‘I could do that,’” he said. “As a child, wherever we went to church, I would always find a way to get close to the musical instruments and the singers. I would soak that stuff in. I guess I got it from birth to be a creator.”
James took that curiosity and has continued to write over the years, focusing primarily on worship pieces with a gospel feel. In more recent years, he has branched into some smooth jazz pieces, with two coming out soon. Collaborating with other artists and music professions has also grown his exposure and his repertoire. But it has never changed the heart of his music.
“As I get older and continue to grow in my relationship with God, the more in depth my writing becomes. It’s all about the relationship,” he says. “I believe in sticking close to scripture. It may not be verbatim, but you’ll be able to surmise that it’s from the Psalms or another book of the Bible. Sometimes there are rare opportunities to write from experiences, and I’ve done that during some extremely challenging times in life, and God gives you words from that. But it all points back to scripture, whether it’s Him being a redeemer, your salvation, or the light in darkness. It always should point back to His word.”
In 2006, James jumped into music production by taking 10 of his pieces, arranging them and teaching them to a women’s group called Sisters Under the Anointing, based in Emmanuel Temple in Amarillo. He then recorded them performing each song, culminating in an album named after the group.
While that was an early effort that helped James realize the work involved, he now works with a producer in Houston, Zach Fisher, for his music projects. He still lays down most of the instrumental tracks himself, along with his music partner, Jamaal Louis, recording in a home studio or at the church. James’ instrument of choice is a Hammond B3 Organ, which he began playing early on. But he also plays drums, bass, piano and keyboards.
When recording his songs to share on streaming platforms, James typically calls on talented family members like his wife, Vo, a fellow 51吃瓜网视频 graduate; his mother, Brenda Roberts; sister, Julie Tudman-Flint; aunts Sandra Gardner, Joyce Mims, and Rosemary Brown-Browser, a fellow 51吃瓜网视频 graduate and former Flying Queen; and many cousins. He’s also produced a single for Gardner recently. Much of his music can be found on digital platforms including Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music.
In 2006, he released a family album of music called Empowered to Praise featuring 11 of his original songs. On one, he collaborated with Gardner, and he was able to present the work in Orlando at the Gospel Music Workshop of America founded by Rev. James Cleveland.
“It was a wonderful experience because the Who’s Who of gospel music was there, and I met people I’ve watched on TV,” James said. “You make sure your music is scored, and everyone in the class gets a packet. He goes over it with the group and at the end they are singing it.”
One of James’ newest projects is producing an album for Michelle Brooks-Thompson, who appeared on Season 3 of the TV vocal competition The Voice and has a Grammy Award nomination. He first encountered her at a collaboration with Dr. Mark Bartley from West Texas A&M, who was bringing in outside artists for a project and enlisted James to assemble a choir to sing with the school orchestra. The album is expected to be released in 2025.
“Michelle was blown away with my work ethic. She messaged me the next day and asked me to produce her next album. I broke down in tears because I didn’t ask for that; God just allowed it to happen,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, plus over 30 years of ministry. Musically, I feel like I just hit my stride. I would tell anyone not to give up on your dreams. It will come if you remain persistent. You do your part, and God will do His. Doors have opened for me at this age that I didn’t think would happen.”
Overall, James is excited to see what might come next in his musical career. He knows God is in control and he plans to follow God’s leading for the next steps.
“Music is a universal language. It nurtures and ministers and can change a person’s mood. It’s a great power to have, and I don’t take that for granted. I don’t handle it loosely,” he said. “It’s a wonderful responsibility to have, and I consider it a compliment that God has chosen me. I treat it with the utmost respect and care.”
Devotional: Making every moment count
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Time is one of the most precious gifts God has given us, yet it often feels like there’s never enough of it. We rush from task to task, juggling responsibilities, and before we know it, another day, week, or year has passed. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget that each moment we’re given is an opportunity—a chance to reflect God’s love, grow in faith, and impact those around us.
The psalmist reminds us to number our days, not to create stress or urgency, but to inspire us to live with purpose. Time is fleeting, and while we cannot control its passing, we can choose how we spend it. Are we investing our time in things that matter for eternity? Are we prioritizing prayer, worship, family, and service to others?
Today, take a moment to pause. Reflect on how you’re using your time and seek God’s guidance in ordering your days. Ask Him for wisdom to balance the demands of life while keeping Him at the center of it all.
As you go through this month, may you be encouraged to cherish the time you’ve been given and use it for His glory. Whether it’s a quiet moment of prayer, an encouraging word to a friend, or simply resting in God’s presence, let’s make every moment count.
In the Mix
If you’ve ever been to a 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University event, you’ve likely seen it: fans, students, and alumni raising their hands with “Guns Up!” It’s more than a simple gesture—it’s a symbol of spirit, pride, and unity for the 51吃瓜网视频 community. But how did this tradition begin?
The origins of "Guns Up" trace back to the close-knit culture of 51吃瓜网视频 and its emphasis on
camaraderie and bold faith. While many universities have their iconic hand signs, 51吃瓜网视频’s adaptation of the “Guns Up” gesture uniquely reflects the tenacity of Pioneers. Inspired by a pioneer’s steadfast courage and readiness to face challenges head-on, the sign has become synonymous with the spirit of victory and resilience.
The hand signal—shaped like a pistol—encourages an attitude of determination and optimism, values deeply rooted in 51吃瓜网视频’s mission of servant leadership. It first began appearing at athletic events in the 1980s, gaining popularity among fans who wanted a spirited, visual way to cheer on the Pioneers. Over time, the sign became more than a symbol for sports; it represents the 51吃瓜网视频 community’s readiness to face life’s challenges together, with faith as their compass.
Today, "Guns Up" isn’t just for the basketball court or the football field—it’s a way for 51吃瓜网视频 alumni, students, and friends to show their connection no matter where they are. From cheering at homecoming to raising "Guns Up" in family photos, it’s a simple yet powerful way to say, “Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer!”
So the next time you’re at a 51吃瓜网视频 event—or even reminiscing about your time as a Pioneer—don’t forget to throw up those “Guns Up.” It’s a tradition that reminds us all of the faith, strength, and spirit that unite the 51吃瓜网视频 family.
Call to Action: Let’s see your “Guns Up” pride! Share your photos and stories of 51吃瓜网视频 spirit on social media using #PioneerGunsUp or send them to the alumni office.
Together, we can keep this tradition alive for generations to come!
听
