Now living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Eric Hobbs grew up in Buffalo, New York, and began taking French Horn lessons and playing in school and community ensembles in his pre-teens. In high school, a youth leader asked him to audition for the vocal lead in a musical, and, from then on, vocal music and ministry became a passion. For eight summers, Eric traveled internationally with the Los Angeles-based Continental Singers and Orchestra as a vocalist and then a director. He received his B.A. with honors from Calvin College, where he wisely identified early on that he’d not survive the music curriculum, but where he sang, traveled and recorded with the lead concert choir and several ensembles, served as a section leader in one local church choir and directed another. At his home church, Eric sings in the worship choir, directed the youth choir for nearly 20 years and led worship for more than 30 years. When he’s not singing, Eric practices labor and employment law with the law firm of Ogletree Deakins, where he chairs the firm’s workplace safety and health practice.

Retiring as full time Minister of Music early in 2019, Joyce Crowder has continued to remain very active in the community of Columbus, Indiana sharing and teaching in community opportunities. As the Executive Secretary of FABM, she continues to be a national resource in the area of handbells and choral leading. She feels that her basic calling is in teaching and continues to teach private piano, handbell and chime classes as well as a Children/Youth Choir for the Southern Indiana Homeschool Educators.
Joyce started attending The Conference for Church Musicians in 1988 and was asked to be the Secretary on the FABM Board of Directors beginning summer of 2000. After serving as the term of Secretary she then held the positions of President Elect and President. After a year off the Board, she came back and has served as the Executive Secretary since 2008.
Joyce and her husband Scott have 3 married children and 10 grandchildren who all live in Southern Indiana. Many of them have attended the conference since 1988 and participated in the Children, Youth and Adult Divisions of the Conference. It has become an important part of their summer family activities. She invites you to bring all of your family that has an interest in music whether it be to participate or be a part of the congregation for morning worship and evening concerts.

Mindy Phomvisay is a Church Musician, Music Educator, Mother, and President-Elect of FABM. She has served as the Director of Music at First Baptist Church of Ames since 1998. As Music Director, Mindy directs the choir, accompanies worship services, leads the youth and children in music, and is co-director of a Summer Music Camp. A native of Alta, Iowa, Mindy is a graduate of Iowa State University and currently teaches Pre K-4 General Music in Fairfield, Iowa. She has been a director with the Ames Children’s Choirs and is a flute and piano teacher. Mindy and her husband Aiddy are parents of three children, Elijah, Emma and Ethan. The whole family enjoys coming to Green Lake for the FABM Conference and it is very special to each of them. Mindy is truly looking forward to serving on the Board and being a part of such meaningful work.

Carla is the pianist and substitute organist at First Baptist Church in Columbus, Indiana. She also plays handbells in a touring bell choir as well as in an off the table handbell quartet.

As FABM Webmaster, Carla keeps the website up to date with new information.

Carla has been attending the conference since 2007.