Dear Friends,

Music is an integral part of our community and an essential part of being in communion with God and one another. Since the early Church was founded, Christians have been singing psalms and spiritual songs in times of triumph and tribulation. At St. Michael’s we use music to enhance our worship of God, celebrate the sacraments, and to transcend to new places and spaces.  

Despite the challenges presented with the COVID19 pandemic, I’m extremely proud of the many ways we’ve been able to enhance the music program at St. Michael’s over the past year. Utilizing new technology in ways never previously explored, we’ve been able to safely make music and enrich our worship experiences. I’m grateful for the staff, volunteers, and all the parishioners who have stepped up and adapted. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Shortly after Rob announced his retirement a lot of praying, planning, and preparations began in earnest to ensure our music program didn’t miss a beat.  

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I’m thrilled to share exciting news about the future of our music program at St. Michael’s ...
Linda Page
Interim Music Coordinator

I’ve asked Linda Page to step in as the Interim Music Coordinator and after much prayer I’m delighted she has agreed. Linda Page has been a big part of our music program for many years and I’m grateful for the numerous gifts God has given her. Linda was the Director of our Sonrise Singers and more recently has been directing our Virtual Choir since the pandemic began. In this new role Linda will be helping with service music selection, coordinating substitute organists, handling the back-office music administration, continuing to direct our Virtual Choir, and she will be part of the search team for our next Director of Music and Organist. 
Amalia Dobbins
Soloist & Congregational Song Leader

I’m pleased to share the news that Amalia Dobbins will continue to be our Soloist & Congregational Song Leader through at least June. Amalia has been a tremendous asset to the music program at St. Michael’s and an important presence in our community. Her gifts on screen and behind the scenes are greatly appreciated and we look forward to continuing to benefit from her many gifts. 
Joe Galema
Interim Sunday Organist

We are happy to have Joe Galema as our Interim Sunday Organist through the season of Epiphany (until mid-February). Joe was the Music Director and Organist at the United States Air Force Academy for 32 years. Upon retiring in 2014, Joe has held the position of Principal Organist at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs. Joe currently holds leadership positions in the Association of Anglican Musicians (AAM) and the American Guild of Organists (AGO). We look forward to having Joe with us behind the organ on Sunday, January 10!
As we prepare to begin our search for a new part time Director of Music and Organist, we need your help and feedback.  Please take a few minutes to answer several short questions about the music program at St. Michael’s. Your feedback will be instrumental in helping finalize the job description and will give our new part time Director of Music and Organist. This survey is also an opportunity to understand what is musically important to you and our community. 
Please complete the Music Survey by Sunday, January 17 

In addition to the survey, Linda Page, Kristy Callihan, and I will be conducting a listening session with all the singers at St. Michael's on Monday, January 11 at 5:30 PM. A special email has been sent to the choir singers and known musicians. If you did not receive this email notification, please contact Linda Page.

Important Dates & Music Search Timeline: 
  • January 17, 2021 – Final day to submit an online Music Survey. 
  • January 20, 2021 – Job posted for Director of Music and Organist. 
  • February 20, 2021 – Final day to submit cover letter and resume.
  • March 2021 – Interviews conducted with search team. 
  • April/May 2021 – New Director of Music & Organist begins at St. Michael’s. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or Kristy Callihan (Senior Warden). In addition, if you know of anyone interested in this position please have them submit a cover letter and resume to rector@stmikeschurch.com before February 20, 2021.

Faithfully in Christ, 

The Rev. Matt Holcombe
Rector, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church  
[719-598-3244] 

St. Michael's Episcopal Church
7400 Tudor RoadColorado Springs, CO 80919