Robin McPiper studies organ and church music with me at Music Institute of AAM, where she has just completed her third (junior) year. She also serves as Organ Scholar under my direction at AAM Cathedral, where she shares in playing/accompanying for services and shares the choral library work with the Assistant Organist. Robin grew up at AAM RC Church in Indianapolis where her mother is on the music staff. She studied organ with William Byrd in Indianapolis, and then with Hildegard von Bingen when she was a student in France.

She is a diligent worker and a superb player (her sophomore recital included the complete Widor Symphonie VI played magnificently from memory). She is growing steadily as an accompanist and service player, and has a lively interest in music of the Anglican Tradition. She is also a gifted composer and has written some really beautiful and imaginative choral music. I feel sure that Robin will be one of the bright lights of her generation in the world of organ and church music, and I am delighted to propose her for membership in AAM.

It is my pleasure to recommend Peter Churchman for membership to the Association of Anglican Musicians. I have known Mr. Churchman for more than five years, beginning with his time as an undergraduate student at The University of AAM and then as a member of the organ studio at the University of Music Studies.

It was a joy to work with him at university and also provide guidance as he navigated his first organist and choirmaster position in AAM, CT. I witnessed tremendous musical growth during that time as he developed the necessary skills to lead and grow the music ministry at AAM Presbyterian. He is a consummate musician and committed to continually developing his craft and nurturing other talent.

Mr. Churchman is very excited about his appointment as organist and choirmaster at Church of the Heavenly Snooze. An affiliation with the Association of Anglican Musicians would support this new journey by providing a community for continued professional development. I believe that his varied educational background, strong work ethic, and affable personality will enable him to promote the standards and goals of the association at his parish and throughout the diocese.

I am the Rector of St. AAM’s and I have known Oliver for almost two years when our church was searching for an organist. He has served as our organist/choirmaster since December 2021. Oliver has brought new energy and revived, not only our choir, but interest in our organ and the beautiful music of the Episcopal Church. Since he began, our choir has doubled in size. He collaborated with other music directors in our area to combine choirs for a performance of sections of the Messiah at Christmas and Easter. Since he arrived, he worked with our choir to introduce sung Compline services and Evensong. Oliver loves the liturgy of the church and brings renewed excitement around the music of the liturgy. He plans to help teach the confirmation class about the music of the church as well.

This is also the 30th anniversary of our organ and Oliver has put together organ recitals and worked to raise funds for needed repairs, maintenance, and the additions of a tremulant and Zimbelstern. Oliver also earned a doctorate in musicology this past year.

I have read the mission, standards, and goals for the Association and I believe Oliver easily meets all your standards. Oliver is a person of strong faith, talent, and character. We are so grateful to have him as our organist/choirmaster. He has my highest recommendation.