Jay
BRIEF DESCRIBE YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: In addition to playing the organ and piano, I get the privilege of working collaboratively with Art to create and shape the musical aspects of our worship each week. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented choir at Bluff Park, it is hard to think of my work as a job!
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? I began playing the piano at age 5. At age 14, I started playing the Sunday evening services at Holmes Street United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. I studied at the University of Alabama, majoring in piano performance, with a composite minor in organ and composition. After college, I took the organist position at Epworth United Methodist Church in Huntsville, where I remained for 10 years. In 1998 I relocated to Birmingham where I served the Greek Orthodox Cathedral until 2005, when I relocated to New York City. While living in New York, I served the American Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Church, the American mother church of that denomination. I returned to Birmingham in 2013 and joined Bluff Park in 2016.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? The absolute favorite part of my job is getting to spend time with the wonderful folks in our choir. There is great chemistry and camaraderie in that room each Wednesday and Sunday. You can’t help but to enjoy making music together!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I enjoy the company of some fine friends, and Maxine (my 3 year old shih tzu) is always happy to have me at home after long days of rehearsal and music direction with Birmingham Southern College and UAB.
FAVORITE THING TO DO AWAY FROM WORK: You would think I would want to take a break from music, but started playing accordion 2 years ago, and really enjoy practicing and learning to master that instrument. I also enjoy walking, reading, and good conversation!