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FPC - MENU - Address
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Music Staff |
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LEO NAJAR, Director of Music
has served in artistic leadership capacities with the
Saginaw Bay Orchestra, The Midland Symphony Orchestra, Ohio
Chamber Orchestra, Ballet Michigan and the symphony
orchestras of Flint, Dearborn and Traverse City. He has
appeared around the country as a guest conductor, and he has
garnered special praise for his work with choral and opera
repertoire. In 2001 he served as a special advisor and
principal guest conductor to the National Orchestra of El
Salvador under the auspices of the American State
Department. An accomplished arranger, he has written over
100 works for a rainbow of groups that include traditional
ensembles such as chorus, gospel choir, jazz and bluegrass
quartets to steel drums, klezmer and zydeco bands. Mr. Najar
has had a distinguished career as a teacher, serving on the
faculties of The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and in
Flint, Georgia State University, Central Michigan
University, Wayne State University and the National Music
Camp at Interlochen. A popular clinician and workshop
presenter, he has conducted the Michigan and Florida
All-State high school orchestras as well as the Georgia
Music Educators High School Orchestra Festivals and numerous
regional events. Mr. Najar is currently Artistic Director
for Bay Musical Arts and The Bijou Orchestra. His wife
Regina is the Executive Director of the Bay Area Women’s
Center. They are residents of Bay City. |
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JOY WIKOFF,
Handbell Choir Director. Joy’s experience with handbells is
varied and includes both ringing and directing. She has directed
handbell choirs for both adults and children at the First
Presbyterian churches in Mt. Pleasant and Cadillac. Joy also has
several years of ringing experience that include performing with
a full choir, as a member of a bell quartet, and as a solo
ringer. She enjoys working with handbell choirs as they grow in
fellowship and strive to make a musical contribution to the
worship service that is a blessing for all. She is a
graduate of Central Michigan University and currently resides in
Midland, With her husband, Tim Sandison. Joy has directed the
Bells of First since October 1997. |
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KURT CARLSTROM, Organist. Kurt is a native of
Standish where he was raised through high school. He has
served in a variety of church traditions including Lutheran,
Catholic, Baptist, Evangelical and Episcopalian. He is a
member of Messiah Lutheran Church and resides in Essexville.
He very much enjoys playing the fabulous fifty-five rank,
3000 pipe Casavant organ. His other music interests include
playing for the Bay City Players as well as musicals for
John Glenn High School. He attended Northern Michigan
University and Delta College. Largely self-taught, Kurt has
been serving as a church organist for 30 years as of May
2004. He assumed his place at the bench for First
Presbyterian in October 2003. |
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