Hello St. Paul’s,
Since November 16, when Martin Green announced his upcoming departure, I have been focusing on identifying interim music staff to take us through a six month search for the next Canon for Music, starting in January. I am very happy to announce that our organ scholar, Seonjeong Park, will step up as interim choir director and Michael Lawrence will join us as interim organist.
Seonjeong came to us in the late summer as organ scholar, but she had just completed a Masters degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University, so she is well equipped to conduct our choirs and has already proved herself as a skillful and sensitive director. She will continue her organ studies with Bruce Neswick.
Michael has been in San Diego for several years, having moved here from the Philadelphia area. He is an experienced church organist and has worked in several denominations, currently at a United Methodist Church, but is looking forward to returning to the Episcopal Church and getting to know our magnificent cathedral organ. Michael will join us for Evensong on January 11 and thereafter will be the accompanist for all our choir rehearsals and musical services.
We have engaged both musicians for a period of six months. This allows us time to discern exactly what our new Canon for Music will be called to do, to advertise for, screen, and audition candidates from across the USA. After a tenure as long as Martin’s it is important to allow a good space before bringing the next Canon for Music onboard, so that they will not be working in the immediate shadow of Martin’s remarkable ministry. My hope is that by the end of April we will have called someone who will start their ministry with us in early July. I will be appointing a small search committee to advise me and Chapter in the search.
We are still looking for a Music Administrative Assistant, a part-time position with responsibility for managing the choir library and communications as well as creating publicity for the ministry. These two dimensions may be divided between two people if necessary. If you are interested, or if you know someone who might be a candidate, please direct them to the employment page on our website at stpaulcathedral.org/careers.
Don’t forget to donate to Martin’s purse (Select “Purse for Martin” under fund) and to sign up to bring food to the farewell reception on December 28! Contact Frank Borik at fcborik@cox.net for details.
See you on Sunday.
Your sister in Christ,
Penny
Such great news! Welcoming both!