Hello! Church music ministry and developing the congregation’s musical program are my areas of responsibility, in coordination with the ministry team and the Worship and Music Committee. In addition to rehearsing, directing and accompanying various ensembles here at Beach United, you will see me playing the piano and organ at the Sunday morning services. I am very fortunate to be supported by an exceptionally talented ministry team, many committed musicians and volunteers here at Beach United. I hold degrees in music, art and education from Wilfrid Laurier and Windsor Universities where I studied with Jan Overduin and Barrie Cabena. My career in music spans over twenty years, including experience with a number of concert choirs and several denominations, and my most recent experience was at St. James Anglican Church in Dundas, Ontario where I co-consulted the installation of a 40 rank pipe organ built by Canadian organ builder, D. Leslie Smith and founded a successful concert series for the parish and community. In addition to my music career I have worked in the retail sheet music industry since 1992. I am an avid gardener, a printmaker, and have recently started exploring encaustic painting. I have exhibited my work in a number of group art shows and recently shared a show with a fellow artist in Dundas. Music in the church, here in North America, is transforming right now to insure it remains meaningful to Twenty-first Century Christians. I am very excited to be involved in music ministry and look forward to the journey here at Beach United. Bien à vous, Douglas