Music
Music is at the very center of my ministry. Music and the arts are communication vehicles that touch all ages, all types of people, all hearts, and all souls. Music moves each of us, reaches into the center of our being and rings within us the sounds of truth and clarity, love and heartbreak, yearning and peace. Beauty – through music, art, aesthetics, poetry, and liturgy – is an invitation to deeper spirituality; a language of the heart that is spoken across political divides, nations, races, and creeds. Music and art are tools for anti-oppressive and multicultural change in our congregations – expressing our theology and values through sound rather than statements, captivating souls rather than just minds, allowing our faith to exist in a variety of cultural expressions rather than just one.
Starr King Singers
I have been a musician all of my life, studying piano and voice for many years, singing in countless choirs, ensembles, and chorales, and even briefly majoring in music as an undergrad. Through Unitarian Universalism, I honed my talent as a song-leader, discovering that I could teach complex music to non-singers and watch magic unfold as they create beauty together beyond their wildest imaginings. I am a strong song-leader, and a good enough director to pull together small ensembles like the Starr King singers – an ad hoc choir I founded that performs each week at the seminary’s chapel services – and Vespers musical ensembles.
My favorite mode of musical leadership, however, is working together with fantastic musicians – choral directors, instrumentalists, singers, etc. – to collaboratively craft outstanding music that weaves together message, beauty, and emotional power to touch the mind, heart, body, and soul.
My favorite mode of musical leadership, however, is working together with fantastic musicians – choral directors, instrumentalists, singers, etc. – to collaboratively craft outstanding music that weaves together message, beauty, and emotional power to touch the mind, heart, body, and soul.
All Souls DC Vespers Musical Ensemble
I love many kinds of music – from classical to gospel to pop, RnB, hip-hop, folk and more, and I believe all kinds of music have a place in congregational worship. Each Sunday morning, I strive to integrate diverse and excellent music with the spoken messages, making sure the music is moving within the emotional arc of the service.
I love crafting services with beautifully integrated music, such as meditative rounds for Vespers services, songs of lament for memorials, and songs of transition and possibility for bridging ceremonies. I also enjoy working with new music. In 2014, I commissioned a choral anthem in honor of Starr King School for the Ministry’s outgoing President, Rev. Dr. Rebecca A. Parker, from one of her poems as a gift from the student body. I organized a choir of local clergy, students, faculty, and staff to perform the piece at her final commencement (see video below).
I love crafting services with beautifully integrated music, such as meditative rounds for Vespers services, songs of lament for memorials, and songs of transition and possibility for bridging ceremonies. I also enjoy working with new music. In 2014, I commissioned a choral anthem in honor of Starr King School for the Ministry’s outgoing President, Rev. Dr. Rebecca A. Parker, from one of her poems as a gift from the student body. I organized a choir of local clergy, students, faculty, and staff to perform the piece at her final commencement (see video below).
Ordination
My ordination service was perhaps the worship service that most accurately reflects my musical leadership style and tastes. The Order of Service for the ordination, along with audio recordings, is available here.
Nurturing a thriving music program, and integrating powerful music throughout worship life, is one of my key priorities, and greatest skills, in congregational ministry.
Nurturing a thriving music program, and integrating powerful music throughout worship life, is one of my key priorities, and greatest skills, in congregational ministry.
