|
 As a musician, Charles has trained primarily as an organist, and has degrees in organ performance from Oberlin College and Yale University. He has also studied composition at Yale and choral conducting primarily at Oberlin. He has had a steady string of church jobs - mostly in Protestant denominations - since high school. Locally, he was the music director at Lord of Light Lutheran Church for eight years; after that, Northside Presbyterian for two; and (most recently) served as organist at West Side United Methodist Church. Charles has been the musician at Holy Faith since September of 2008.
After working in music publishing for a few years in the late 80s, he went to library school at the University of Illinois to prepare for a career in music librarianship. He has been at the UM Music Library since 1993 and became its director in January of 2001. He also holds a joint appointment with the department of musicology at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, teaching each fall.
He has interests in jazz piano and generally in improvisation. He describes his musical tastes as eclectic and listens to a wide variety of differing styles, including classical, jazz, some rock & roll and techno. He also has a keen interest in some of the newer, emerging styles of music that blend Western "classical" music with popular styles.
Of his role at Holy Faith, he says, "I am looking forward to building an inclusive program, one that explores and celebrates a variety of musical styles, expressed in a way that deepens and enriches the overall worship experience." He also has an interest in dance as well as other art forms, both visual and performing.
Charles grew up in Stockton, California, not far from where Pastor Ian did in Davis. He is an avid cyclist (mostly mountain biking, but also road) and a gym rat, has a long-standing interest in Buddhism, and loves the North Woods, particularly Lake Superior.
|
