New Music Director

Last fall, Fauntleroy Church UCC launched a nationwide search for a new music director. This resulted in the hiring of Zachary Fitzgerald—an acclaimed vocalist, conductor, and teacher who is now completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance at the University of Washington. He presented his doctoral solo recital on May 31, showcasing his tenor voice with German lieder as well as songs in Italian and English. At UW, Zachary taught private and group lessons for both music majors and non-majors and assisted with opera workshops. Opera and musical theatre are two of his passions.

Zachary holds two master’s degrees from Kent State University—one in Choral Conducting, the other in Vocal Performance. He served as Director of Music Ministries and Choir Director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kent, Ohio, has held numerous positions as a vocalist and music teacher, as has played oboe, English horn, and saxophone in several orchestras and ensembles. Learn more at ZacharyFitzgeraldTenor.com.

Zachary directed one of our Chancel Choir rehearsals this spring while the hiring committee was still in deliberation. “We loved Zach’s ability to convey vocal techniques for better breath control and sound,” said Sarah Finney, who sings in the alto section and coordinated the 11-month search and hiring processes. “We also loved his sense of humor and look forward to really fun rehearsals!”

“I want my choirs to know that I am there for them every step of the way, and that I care about their vocal development,” said Zachary. “I want them to have the voice they always dreamed of having all while doing it in a space that fulfills their soul.”

Throughout the summer, Zachary will coordinate music for Sunday services and plan for the coming year. Chancel choir rehearsals start in late summer. Fauntleroy Church has several additional ensembles, including a ukulele band that meets in homes throughout the summer and at the church starting this fall, a seasonal Handbell Choir and occasional children’s music groups.

“We’re also gauging interest in exploring more children’s music opportunities at Fauntleroy Church,” said Senior Pastor Leah Atkinson Bilinski. “Besides musical education, choir singing fosters a sense of teamwork, collaboration, and belonging, and builds self-esteem. I encourage families to give this some thought and get in touch with us for more information.”

Fauntleroy Church is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ. For more information, visit fauntleroyucc.org. E-mail all inquiries about the music program to zach@fauntleroyucc.org.

Announcing Bronwyn Edward's Retirement

Some of you already know, but I would like to officially announce that Bron, our Music Director Extraordinaire (we should add that to her title, I think), has shared that she will retire at the end of June 2025.

While Bron plans to remain in our congregation as a member, plans at present are for her to shift her music involvement and reengage as a supportive volunteer and participant.

I want to acknowledge that most of you probably just took a deep breath in and let it out with a long sigh. We all knew this day would come, but we hoped it could be put off for as long as possible. And it has. Bron actually first began talking to me about retirement eight years ago, and I'm eternally grateful to her for what will be 17 years of service to Fauntleroy Church in 2025.

I also want to assure you: I and other leaders of Fauntleroy Church know the value of the powerful and vibrant music programs Bron has built with the help of members and friends of this church. The Personnel Committee has been in conversation with Bron and has put together some plans. They have identified that a search committee was needed (because this task is bigger than Personnel can handle alone while still engaging other needed work). A search team has now been appointed and is preparing to have their first official meeting. We thank the team for saying "yes" to serving on that Search Committee. It's a good group with a breadth of experience that will serve us well in the year to come.

There is much more that I could share and that will be shared in weeks and months to come, but there will be time for all of that. For now, I'd ask of you two things: 1) to trust the search committee that has been formed and give them space to begin their good work, and 2) to focus our energy and efforts on enjoying our final programmatic year with Bronwyn Edwards in her role as Music Director. Come join the choir or the ukelele band! Enjoy worship in person where the sound is so much better than online! And mark your calendars now for the next Sweet, Sweet Music (Friday, November 8) and Christmas concerts (December 21st at 7pm and 22nd at 4pm)!

Right now, I'm enjoying planning with Bron and Karyn toward the lovely year that lies ahead for worship at Fauntleroy Church. It's going to be awesome and joy-filled!

God-willing and us-determined-people following the Spirit's lead, what lies ahead will be phenomenal too!

Onward we go,

Pastor Leah