Music
Director:
Asa Stern
Folk Music Director: Andy
Kerr
Handbell Choir: Maryke Williams
Home to the World's
Finest Pipeless Organ
Through a generous grant and contributions
from parishioners, Joint Venture Churches installed
the state-of-the-art Phoenix digital organ in
2000. The organ features over 100 voices including
samples of some of the world's most famous pipe
organs. Read
More >> |
Asa Stern is a native Californian who has lived in
both Southern and Northern parts of the state. Born
in Paramount, he went to high school in Richmond
before attending UC-Davis where he earned his
BA in Music and was recognized with a Faculty
Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Music
and as Outstanding Graduating Senior. While
at Davis, he was Musical Director of the Davis
Musical Theater Company. He then worked
in the Davis Senior High School Choral and Band
Programs for 2 years before attending the University
of the Pacific where he earned a Master of Education
in Curriculum and Instruction. While working
on that degree, he was Director/Accompanist at
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and Band/Choral
Director at the Hercules Middle/High School.
Asa then moved to Silicon Valley and became
the Director of Choral Activities at both Hoover
Middle School and Pioneer High School, the Choir
Director at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
in Sunnyvale, and a member of the Choral Project. The
Choral Project is a 48-voice ensemble has performed
throughout Northern California in concert performances,
interfaith services, as well as choral festivals
and invitationals. This was only the beginning. After
2 years teaching in local high schools, Asa looked
around the country for a program to fit his development
goals which he found at the University of South
Florida. This
led to a Master of Music in Composition and a
soon-to-be-completed Philosophical Doctorate
in Music Education. While in Florida,
Asa spent 2 years as Music Director of St Catherine’s
Episcopal Church.
Having missed the weather, lifestyle,
and friends in California, Asa has returned to
San Jose. He is working part-time at a
Charter School in Livermore with a band program
which is anticipated to grow into an opportunity
to lead a music program for the school as it
moves to build a full K-12 curriculum. He
has accepted the position of Joint Venture Music
Director, which makes him the new ECA Music Director. He
has also rejoined the Choral Project since returning
the West Coast.
Asa plays many musical instruments,
but has concentrated on woodwinds, particularly
the oboe. He is also an accomplished keyboard
pianist and organist. As
those who have had the opportunity to participate
in his first few weeks here can attest, Asa is
an outstanding choir director and vocal instructor. His
calling to be a teacher shows in his capability
and patience to help choir members find their
voices and prepare music as an offering to enhance
our worship at ECA. Anyone who would like
to enhance their capability to praise the Lord
on Sunday or any other day should come for a
few rehearsals and have the experience first
hand.
Asa – Welcome to the ECA!
ADULT CHOIR - provides
music to fit with the Episcopal liturgy at the 11:00
family service and at special services throughout the
year. All that is needed is the ability to sing, a
desire for fun and fellowship and a willingness to
make the time commitment. If you do not read music,
you can learn. The choir rehearses weekly on Thursday
evenings (7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) in the Choir Room.
FOLK CHOIR - If guitars
and banjos are more your taste, please join our Folk
Choir. The rehearsals are usually the second Saturday
of the month at 6:00 p.m., and include a potluck supper.
Our Folk Choir provides the music once a month (usually
the 2nd Sunday) during the 11:00 am service. Andy
Kerr directs this group, and would welcome
your talent or stamina.
ADULT HANDBELL
CHOIR - The Joint Venture Handbell
Choir meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. We
are always in need of more handbell ringers. Anyone
with an interest in music and a willingness to
learn a new skill is more than welcome. Please
call Ruthanne Adams to find out more about this
fun activity.

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