How long have you served at Front Street UMC?
I began at Front Street United Methodist Church in July 2016.
What’s your favorite thing about working here?
Front Street has the best staff that I have ever worked with in any job that I have ever had. Everyone is a team player! The members are also very supportive and encouraging. Additionally, we have wonderful instruments, including a 2002 Harrison and Harrison organ, a 1962 Steinway and Sons piano, and a 1980 Richard Kingston harpsichord.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you here?
My very first Sunday I met a long-lost Mt. Airy, NC (Surry County) cousin, who happens to be a long-standing member at Front Street. I had no idea we were even related, and it completely caught me off guard.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Morganton, North Carolina (Burke County). It is located in the foothills of western North Carolina.
Where did you go to school?
Everywhere…
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Appalachian State University, Boone, NC – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting (certified public accountant)
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Emory University, Atlanta, GA – Master of Sacred Music
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University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH – Doctor of Musical Arts
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Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC - Graduate Certificate in Injury-Preventive Piano Technique
How many children do you have?
None, but I do have a niece and nephew whom I adore.
Any pets?
No pets.
What is most important about your work at FSUMC? What drives you? What is your passion?
Music has the ability to facilitate an encounter with the divine, the holy, and the living God. I am driven by the weekly challenge of making this possible for the people who attend and visit Front Street Church. I have a passion for finding music that helps to highlight the mystical side of God.
What are your favorite books, movies, or songs?
I love Marva Dawn’s books on worship and music arts. I also enjoy reading about the history of a particular piece of music, biographies about musicians and composers, and anything to do with the role of music in Christian worship (past, present, and future). Alfred Hitchcock movies are my favorite, especially North by Northwest and The Birds. I also love to listen to pop music on the radio! Some of my favorite current artists include Maroon 5, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Bruno Mars. My favorite composer is Felix Mendelssohn.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy hiking, running (3 miles every day), traveling, playing tennis, meteorology, and hanging out with friends and family.
What’s your favorite food?
I love soups and salads. My favorite soup is the chicken and wild rice soup at the HoneyBaked Ham store, and my favorite salad is the Key West chicken salad at the Village Grill.
Where do you like to vacation?
My favorite place to vacation is Charleston, SC. I love the combination of an old, historic city being near a great beach. There is something for everyone. In 2019, I spent two weeks in Smarano, Trentino, Italy at the Smarano International Early Keyboards Academy. I would love to go back and vacation in Italy.
