About Minister of Music
Full Name: Edward ClarkBut Please Call Me: Ed
Position: Minister of Music
Education: BA - Tufts University; Master of Sacred Music - Union Theological Seminary's School of Sacred Music in NYC
Born where and when: June 18 just up the road (Route 10) in Westfield, MA
Family Facts: Married to Joan Pritchard
How I came to First Church: Fresh out of graduate school, I joined the staff of First Church in 1965 and have been here ever since!
The most important thing I do here is: As Minister of Music, I both plan and provide music for Sunday worship as well as for special services and events. I currently direct the Senior Choir, the Handbell Choir and the First Church Drum Circle. I also serve as organist and pianist and, on occasion, find myself playing other instruments such as the harpsichord, chamber organ, solo handbells, hammered dulcimer, recorder, percussion and even shofar (ram's horn)! I also oversee our wonderful volunteers who direct the Junior and Children's Choirs.
Favorites...
Hobbies: Working with computers; publishing monthly newsletter with Joan for the Hartford chapter of the American Guild of Organists; webmaster for the UCC's Musician's Association
Theater: Hartford Stage Company shows
Sports: Love to attend women's volleyball and basketball games at the University of Hartford, and cheer enthusiastically for the Boston Red Sox and the UConn women's basketball team
Additional Pursuits: When I'm not working at First Church, I enjoy making more music in my role as freelance musician in the southern New England area. This includes playing the organ and harpsichord with various professional orchestras, as well as with professional and amateur ensembles and choral groups. In particular, I value many memorable moments as organist for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
Vision for the Future of First Church: To have the entire congregation involved in making music, not just listening to it.
Email: eclark@firstchurch1652.org
