It is with tremendous gratitude that I thank Rev. Hardway and the committee for selecting me as the new Music Director here at the First Christian Church. I am humbled to know I will be participating in a rich history of music ministry. Already, I have gathered that this experience will be wonderful given the friendly and welcoming interactions I have had in the last couple of weeks.

 

I began my journey in music ministry as a pianist for a Disciples of Christ congregation 15 years ago, and have spent the last 9 years serving the wonderful people of Glen Dale United Methodist Church in various capacities, first as the Choir Director and later as the Organist/Pianist. In addition to music ministry, I am a public school educator with 10 years of experience serving the exceptional students in Marshall County Schools. I spent 9 years as the Choir Director at Sherrard Middle School and made the switch to Assistant Principal at Moundsville Middle School this year.

 

I am a 2011 graduate of Bellaire High School, where I participated in all things music and found myself in different roles of leadership. I went on to pursue my Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at West Liberty University where I studied piano under Dr. Gerald Lee, voice under Dr. Linda Cowan, and choral studies under Professor Alfred R. de Jaager. Later I pursued my Masters in Music Education at Northern State University and Post-Masters Certification in School Administration at West Liberty University. My Doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University will be completed later this summer.

 

It is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to the future of music ministry here at the First Christian Church. Through my faith, passion for music, and love of learning and teaching, I intend to contribute the best I have to offer in service to our mission. We will continue to embrace our choral and handbell traditions, finding ways to enrich and preserve those traditions for future generations. Community and youth engagement will be two major aims for me in our music ministry. As such, we will seek to provide new and unique opportunities for music ministry in our church, with an openness to ideas that share the message and gospel of Jesus Christ, bring people together in fellowship, and nurture an appreciation for the arts.

 

Again, I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity, and cannot wait to begin this journey with you! If you have any interest in participating in the music ministry, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you!