MUSICAL CHAIRS IN THE MUSIC MINISTRY
The music ministry is in the process of transitioning several staff positions. As you have no doubt already heard, our Instrumental Director, Sam Carlton, has accepted a choral teaching position at Ocoee High School. His last day with us will be July 1. We are delighted to announce that John-Rine Zabanal, a violinist in our orchestra whom you have enjoyed hearing many times in worship, will be assuming Sam’s responsibilities beginning in July.
Additionally, our Music Ministry Assistant, Emily O’Lone, will be departing for a more northerly locale upon her graduation from FSU with her master’s in music education this summer. She and husband, Christian (pianist for the FBC Chordsmen and Sanctuary Choir tenor) will be moving back to the northeast to be closer to their families. Emily has been a lifesaver in the music ministry and will be sorely missed. Her last day is July 27. We are currently interviewing for her replacement.
Pam Cooke, our Associate Minister of Music will be reducing her responsibilities beginning August 1. Pam has served on our music staff two separate times for a total of over 20 years and her name has become synonymous with excellence in music ministry. As a member of the pastoral staff, Pam has served as the founding Coordinator/Director of our Contemporary Worship Service and Praise Team Director along with directing the FBCTLH Youth Choir. Pam will continue directing our youth choir but will retire from her other duties. Contemporary Worship Leader, George Feijoo, will be assuming coordination and leadership of the 11:15AM service. Sally Ann Jones will assume leadership of the Praise Team. We are so thankful to have these two talented and dedicated folks step up to provide leadership to our contemporary music ministry.
In addition to these changes, we are also launching a couple of our music interns! Savannah Hirst, Sanctuary Choir soprano has graduated with her bachelor’s degree and accepted a position as music director in a local church. In addition to her choir duties, Savannah has assisted with our Fine Arts Camp and children’s choir. Valerie Parrish, also a Sanctuary Choir soprano and Fine Arts Camp teacher, has also voluntarily worked with our youth choir, our Praise Team, and our children’s music ministry serving as a choir director and VBS music leader for several years. Valerie is leaving to perform her required internship in music education.
Please pray for all these wonderful people who have served God and this church so very well. And of course, pray for the music ministry, as we adjust and bring in new people. God has always been faithful to meet our needs and this season of transition will be no exception!
— Penny Folsom