A Brief History of the Music Ministry 1964 - 2004

Publication

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Church of the Red Rocks Historical Archives

Name/Title

A Brief History of the Music Ministry 1964 - 2004

Entry/Object ID

2004-001-A

Description

This document, authored by Charles Bowers, DMA, chronicles the forty-year evolution of the Music Ministry at The Church of the Red Rocks (CRR) in Sedona, Arizona. The narrative details the transition from a fledgling ministry supported by guest soloists and volunteer directors to a professionalized program featuring sophisticated instrumentation and multiple choral ensembles. The text emphasizes the pivotal role of congregational generosity in acquiring high-quality instruments, such as the Möller pipe organ and Baldwin grand piano, which serve as the foundation for the church's liturgical and community performances. By 2004, the ministry reached "unthought-of heights," boasting one of the largest combination organs in Arizona and a diverse array of vocal and handbell ensembles.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Fuller, Faith

Notes

First Choir Director, Early 1960s, "Spending an agonized Summer in front of a mirror waving a stick"

Person or Organization

Barclay, Joseph W.

Notes

Director of Music / Lead Tenor, 1968–1976; 1978–2004, "An exceptional gift for expressing... the emotional context"

Person or Organization

Seapy, Heath

Notes

1977–1985, Director of Music, Directed "hilarious music entertainments known as 'Choir Capers'"

Person or Organization

Bowers, Charles

Notes

1985–1994. Director of Music, Introduced music of "outstanding and some not-so-outstanding contemporaries"

Person or Organization

Suhr, Rheta

Notes

1994–1998. Director of Music, Organized the "very successful Red Rock Chorale"

Person or Organization

Christiansen, Scott

Notes

1997–2002. Organist, Director of Music, "His virtuosity as an organist added much beauty and excitement"

Person or Organization

Mills, Sean Paul

Notes

2002–2004, Director of Music, "Brought the Chancel Choir to previously unthought-of heights"

Person or Organization

Reed, Gladys

Notes

1972–1993; 1995–1997, Organist / Pianist / Accompanist, "Served with distinction"

Person or Organization

Moore, Suzanne

Notes

2003–2004, Organist / Pianist, "Excellent and sensitive musician... pleasant, reliable and cooperative"

Person or Organization

Draves, Wilma

Notes

Circa 1992, Handbell Choir Director, Led a "very popular addition to the music ministry"

Person or Organization

Low, Ethel

Notes

Daniel S. Low Memorial Organ (Möller Pipe Organ) (1974): Gifted by his widow, Mrs. Ethel Low.

Web Links and URLs

A Brief History of Music Ministry 1964 - 2004, Abstract Brief History of Music Ministry