A message from Andrew
Dear friends and members of St. Matthew’s:
I write to you with news of my decision to depart from my position at St. Matthew’s. First, I wish to convey that I did not arrive at this decision easily. I have truly loved serving as your Director of Music Ministries and Organist. And, undoubtedly, I will miss many aspects of parish life, particularly the warm community bond we all love and celebrate each week. With that said, I have recently felt new discernment regarding my vocation. Indeed, this upcoming transition represents a slight pivot in my career path. In spite of my strong adoration for our community at St. Matthew’s, I must respond to this calling.
In the next stage of my career, I will be making a new home for myself in Miami, Florida. For me there awaits a truly singular opportunity—one which will offer me new challenges, a new routine, and deep fulfillment. At the center of my career motivations have always been a strong affinity for the anglican tradition and an earnest passion for enriching the lives of young people through music. These values will continue to be central in this new chapter.
I have accepted two positions in Miami. The first is as Director of Choirs and School Organist at Palmer Trinity School, a private, Episcopal school of about 900 students in grades 6–12. Situated on a beautiful, 60-acre campus, this young school (1991) has a strong and busy music program. Palmer Trinity School has also recently constructed its first chapel, will soon install a brand new organ (currently under construction at Casavant Frères in Quebec), and in the coming years will construct a brand new performing arts center to house a theatre and new music facilities. I will be their inaugural school organist. As such, I will have the opportunity to shape a new chapter in the school’s cultural life and lead the community in new musical traditions.
In addition to this job, I will also be the Organist and Choir Director at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Miami. This thriving diocese has a large, diverse cathedral congregation who worships in a beautiful quasi-mediterranean sanctuary. I will have the privilege of playing a 4-manual Skinner organ in the beautiful surroundings of historic stained-glass and fine mosaics.
I give thanks for the miraculous community of St. Matthew’s. Above all, I will miss our wonderful choir. Their faithfulness, joyful spirits, and loving hearts have been a true blessing and have nourished me so deeply in my time working with them. I will look back on these years with tremendous love and fondness for belonging to the warm and welcoming community that is St. Matthew’s. As I depart, I carry with me not only memories and experiences, but, truly, an imprint on my soul. I believe I am a changed person, for the better, for having been a part of St. Matthew’s. In that regard, you will be with me wherever I go.
With love,
Andrew
