Judges

Mike became part of the Fort Wayne community in 2005, moving from El Paso, Texas with his wife and three children to become Director of Marketing for Sweetwater Sound, the third largest retailer of music instruments and pro audio in the U.S. His role at Sweetwater has him leading a team of 20 in the execution of national marketing projects that range from e-commerce to print to PR. Music, writing, recording and playing guitar for worship however, has always played an important role in Mike's life.

During his time in El Paso, Mike was the first-call guitar player for Coronado Baptist Worship Group. Here in town, he's played with Sonrise Worship Group since 2005. And just this February, Mike became Creative Arts Director and Worship Leader at the Pointe Church. As an accomplished guitarist and published songwriter, Mike has a deep appreciation and passion for worship music of many styles - from Amy Grant to Brandon Heath to Skillet. But most importantly, as a Worship Leader he recognizes music's unique ability to help the church reach out and connect with the greater community.

Troy was the winner of our preliminary and final rounds for our first annual Battle of the Bands in 2010. He lives in North Manchester, Indiana with his wife and two daughters and has been a local worship leader for the past 7 years. Before the birth of his second daughter this past year, Troy was the worship leader for The Point Young Adult Ministry on the IPFW campus in Fort Wayne. He has been involved with leading worship and playing guitar for First Assembly of God in Fort Wayne, is a rotating worship leader at Turning Point Church in South Whitley, Indiana, and also regularly leads worship and plays guitar for many other area ministries.

Songwriting has been an important part of Troy's own personal journey toward a deeper relationship with God. He started out writing lyrics that were only shared with those close to him, but God has now opened doors for him to share his heart on a much larger scale. His passion is to use music to communicate God's message of hope and redemption and to see God's people move into a life of fullness and joy.