Jessica Bauchum, the music director of By Design Ministry, is a woman of God committed to serve Him through her musical talents. Born to a father who is a church organist and a mother who is a pianist and choir director, it is no question that Jessica has a passion for musical excellence. She began her formal musical training from her grandmother, the late Doris Gumby on piano. She continued to study private clarinet lessons through high school, receiving a music scholarship at the University of Missouri. She received a degree in secondary education with an emphasis of instrumental music. She continued her musical studies at the University of North Texas and received a Master of Music Education degree in 2004. She is currently teaching music along with private piano and voice lessons in the Dallas area. Jessica recalls a memory from her childhood. " I remember sitting on the organ at church next to my father. He would sometimes mute the organ keys and let me play during service. At a very young age, maybe five or six, the first key I remember playing in is D-flat, the song, Hold Back the Night, chords and all." She is excited about what God is going to do with By Design Ministry and in her life.
Stephanie describes Jessica, " Jess is not only my sister, but she's my best friend. She's a musical genius and is one of the world's best kept secrets. God's light is truly shining in her life and she's a great gift to the Kingdom of God!
La Shai describes Jessica, "A woman of great wisdom and gifting. She plays with a purpose, she sings with a purpose, and she writes with a purpose. I have witnessed her vocal classes and have witnessed the excitement of learning about music from a couple of her students...she makes music theory exciting!!! She is truly helping to mold the next generation of music!!!
