News from St. George's Music
Announcing a New Director of Music Ministries!
Letter from Leigh Spruill as published in the May issue of The Shield.
I am tremendously excited to share the news that I have called Nancy Reiser to be St. George’s next Director of Music Ministries. I am grateful to God that Nancy has accepted this call and will begin her duties at St. George’s August 1, 2012. Nancy currently serves as Organist-Choirmaster, for All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas.
I must share great personal excitement in this new addition to our parish leadership. Nancy and I served together on the staff at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida, during my tenure there as rector. Indeed, Nancy was Organist-Choirmaster and Liturgist at St. Mark’s from 1994-2008. She was a joy to have on staff, and Nancy was the prime candidate for me when we entered into this leadership transition at St. George’s earlier this winter. I was so grateful that Nancy was open to a conversation about our ministry here in Nashville, and I believe God has blessed all of us with a prayerfully and providentially chosen outcome in filling such a vitally important role for St. George’s ministries.
Nancy possesses many strengths and brings with her a background exceptionally well-suited for this position. A native of Jacksonville, Nancy received her undergraduate BA in Music from Sewanee: The University of the South where she was the Organ-Scholar at All Saints’ Chapel. She earned a Master of Music in Organ Performance at The Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland, Ohio. Nancy and I overlapped for a time during my seminary education at Sewanee as she was the Assistant University Organist and Choirmaster, and Interim University Organist and Choirmaster from 1992-1994.
In my experience working alongside Nancy I witnessed someone who is personable, friendly, gracious, of high character, deep faith, extremely professional, always well-prepared, and beloved by staff and parishioners. I observed very high loyalty to her from choir members, as well as immense respect for her talents throughout the community and beyond. By her own admission, Nancy is a “church nerd,” profoundly shaped by the classical worship tradition and gifted in planning liturgy. And Nancy is an extremely talented musician as well as highly skilled conductor. I am very eager to witness the fruits born of her leadership overseeing our impressive music programming into the years to come.
Nancy is married to Rich Mischinski, currently Head of the Upper School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin. Rich hopes to continue his professional career as an independent school educator here in Nashville. Nancy and Rich have two precious daughters, Shealy (10) and Kate (7).
I am profoundly thankful to God for this privilege of once again sharing in ministry with Nancy Reiser, and I trust you will very quickly understand the reason for my gratitude and excitement. I also know you will look forward to welcoming Nancy, Rich, Shealy and Kate into our common life later this coming summer.
- Leigh +
In Excelsis 2011-12
View the 2011-12 calendar online.
Compline
Chanted by the Men of St. George’s Choir
The ancient and mystical Office of Compline is a sublime way to end a busy day. The Nave of St. George’s is in darkness, save for the light of dozens of candles in the Apse. The Men of St. George’s Choir chant the prayers, psalms and canticles of this beautiful service a cappella each month. Please join us for the peaceful, movingly spiritual service.
Join us at 9:15pm in the Apse (Choir area) of the Sanctuary on the following Wednesdays:
May 16, 2012
St. George’s Choir Volunteer Opportunities
Do you love to sing? Are you invigorated by working with dedicated, talented people? If so, I’d love to talk with you about joining St. George’s Choir. We’re a warm, hard-working, creative group with a passion for making excellent music for our Lord in worship. While our Choir includes an outstanding group of 17 professional singers, most of our Choir members are parishioners who volunteer their time and talents. We rehearse every Wednesday night from 7-9pm. Please contact Gerry Senechal at 615-385-2150 x 252 or email him at gerry.senechal@stgeorgesnashville.org.
Royal School of Church Music
We are so proud of our children and youth who are engaged in the Royal School of Church Music curriculum through St. Gregory’s and St. Dunstan’s Choirs. Under the tutelage of Gerry Senechal, Laurel Fisher, and Rachel Hansbury, our young people spend time each week studying not only musical performance and musicianship skills, but also studies in both Liturgy and Christian Discipleship. They progress through a range of levels (“colours”) and, based on assessment of their achievements at each level, they may qualify for RSCM medals to be worn with their vestments when singing in worship.