I was born in Chicago in 1944 and grew up in that exciting city. My temple of choice was the Art Institute, where I worshipped regularly, and a stroll up windy Michigan Ave. was my childhood ideal of communing with nature. I graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, with a degree in Church Music and a minor in organ performance. From Minnesota I came to San Diego to complete a graduate degree in Music History at San Diego State University, where I taught both graduate and undergraduate courses.

In 1968 I became organist at the First Unitarian Church of San Diego (as it was known then), and two years later was appointed Director of Music/Organist. With the exception of a short hiatus in the mid-1970s when I lived in San Francisco, directing the music program at First Church has been my career’s duty and delight.

I have served as Dean of the San Diego Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and as President of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network. For ten years I was the classical music critic for the San Diego Edition of the Los Angeles Times. I serve as an accompanist for the San Diego Children’s Choir and am currently interim director of the San Diego Youth Choir, a county-wide musical group that toured Europe in the summer of 2000.


Philosophy of the Music Program

The purpose of the music program at First Church is to open hearts and minds within the church community to “that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, that moves us to a renewal of the spirit” (the U.U. Purposes and Principles). We intend the scope of the program to be thoughtfully eclectic. The choirs are as likely to sing an African folksong as a Latin motet. One of our vocal soloists may open the service with a chant from the traditional Jewish liturgy, then later in the service sing an African-American spiritual. Anything from a Brazilian tango to a Bach fugue may sound forth from the Meeting house organ in Sunday worship.

Music develops and interprets the themes of worship, as well as the emotional subtext of each Sunday’s focus. Our liturgical calendar encompasses the turning of the seasons and holy days of many traditions. We invite members and friends of First Church, as well as professionals from the music community, to use their talents continually to expand the scope and depth of our music-making.

Our Concert Series provides monthly performances of chamber music, world music, and jazz in the fine acoustical setting of our Meeting House.

All who are interested in participating in the music program are invited to phone the Music Office at (619) 298-4580.