Dean’s Letter: Music Updates

Hello St. Paul’s,

The news about Martin Green’s departure came as a surprise to most of the congregation on Sunday. Martin has been a part of the fabric of the cathedral for so long, it has been easy to imagine that he would be here for ever. However, nothing except God is eternal, and while we are sad to say goodbye, we can be very proud of him; we can give thanks that we were blessed by his ministry for so many years;  and we can rejoice that his excellence has been recognized in this way.

We will have opportunities to thank and celebrate Martin before he leaves at the end of December – mark your calendar for Sunday, December 28! – and at the same time, we must start to think about what happens in January.

My thoughts are at a very early stage, but here is what I know:

• We have an outstanding music program with excellent singers.
• We have an exceptional organ.
• We have a beautiful new music center on its way to being completed before Easter, purpose-made for our music ministry and for the accommodation of community groups.
• We have a gifted organ scholar, Seonjeong, who plans to stay with us through the end of the academic year.

So, we have some significant assets that make us attractive to prospective candidates for the music director position.

After a long tenure, it’s helpful to take a breath before seeking the next permanent staff member, so we will engage an interim musician to see us through a search process.

I have already started talking with people who know the church music world and the San Diego music community, getting the word out so that we can line up someone before Christmas for the interim period, and seeking counsel on how to shape the search process.

The personnel committee will work with a small music search committee to start the process of a nationwide search.

We will seek and hire a new music administrative assistant as soon as possible, to succeed Angel Mannion, who ended his time with us recently. If this part-time position appeals to you, please contact me for more information (bridgesp@stpaulcathedral.org).

The Friends of Cathedral Music, led by Frank Borik, will continue to support the music ministry and encourage growth in that group.

Please note that the organ recital program will go on hiatus after Friday, November 21, until we have someone in place who can both perform and line up guest musicians.

Please pray for God to send us the right person to lead our music ministry!

Advent blessings,
Penny