This past January the Lord directed Kristi to retire from public school choral music teaching after 30 years to devote her time, energy and talents to explore other ministries. This was prompted by serving as a substitute worship leader at various churches in the Roanoke Valley, but specifically when she served at RCUMC last summer. Kristi felt very welcomed and had a sense of joy and peace when leading others in worship here.
She grew up singing gospel music with her family and served as the Music Director at Ridgewood Baptist Church and Fort Lewis Baptist Church while teaching Choral Music and Music Theater at Glenvar Middle and High Schools in Roanoke County which is now the Burton School for the Arts. In 2005 she accepted her dream job of teaching Choir and IB Music at Salem High School, her alma mater, and joined Journey Church where her sister is the Worship Pastor.
She holds a Masters degree in Music Education from Shenandoah University and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from James Madison University. During the course of her career, she has professionally performed as a jazz singer, accompanist, pianist, clarinet player, guest choral conductor, music theater coach, and worship leader. She has coached many vocal students to achieve district and state honors in competitions and festivals, received numerous “Outstanding Educator” Presidential Citations from the Governor’s School, and her Salem Singers, vocal jazz ensemble was even chosen to perform at the Virginia Music Educators State Conference, but feels the Lord is leading her to use those gifts towards a different ministry during this changing season of life.
She feels the Lord has clearly called her to RCUMC to lead the First Light Worship team and is excited to see how His perfect plan unfolds to reach others through authentic praise and worship inspired by the Holy Spirit to only honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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