MUSIC

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.

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.