Jerry Tesch (’05) Uses Music to Encourage Thoughtful Worship
November 4, 2025 | 3-4 min read
Jerry Tesch (’05) arrived at Florida College with a deep passion for music and a respect for how it can express emotion and faith. During his time on campus, he found a community that shared his love for harmony and his focus on glorifying God through song. Among his friends were Jesse Bartley, Thayne Washburn, and Brandon Trout. Together, they began arranging and performing a cappella covers around campus. What started as a lighthearted pastime sparked the creation of the Christian a cappella group now know as Narrow Way.
Word began to spread as the group continued singing, and soon they were asked to record hymns for a wedding.
“It wasn’t fancy,” Tesch laughed. “We stood around a few microphones and sang all day.”
As people began listening to the recording, several copies were requested, leading the group to create a complete album. A major turning point came when Bartley reached out to Jay Connor, writer of the hymn “I Close My Eyes,” asking for permission to include the song on their CD. Connor readily agreed and requested the group send him the final recording of the hymn. Moved by what he heard, Connor and his wife, Carol, offered to produce the album, covering studio costs and guiding them through every step. After that, the group officially adopted the name Narrow Way and continued to grow.
The group’s lineup shifted as the years passed and life brought new chapters. Alum Bryce Cline ( later joined, stepping in for Trout and adding his own warmth and depth to the harmony. Through every change, the group’s mission has remained the same: to point hearts toward God through sincere, thoughtful worship.
That mission shines in their most recent album, FAITHFUL, which features a mix of classic and contemporary hymns. One highlight, “Boldly I Approach,” was arranged a cappella by Washburn and his wife, Erika, at the request of a Florida College professor. The song quickly became a favorite and was sung at several Florida College camps across the country this summer.
Listeners often share how Narrow Way’s music has touched their lives, offering comfort during difficult seasons or rekindling faith through familiar hymns. For Tesch, those moments are a reminder of why they sing. ”
God designed song to be impactful and powerful,” he reflected. “If He can use our voices to encourage even one person, it’s worth it.”
As Narrow Way looks ahead to their next project, an EP of beloved hymns, Tesch remains grounded in the same purpose that began all those years ago at Florida College: to use the gift of music to serve the Lord and strengthen His people.
Listen to Narrow Way on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube Music.
