MUSIC STAFF
WILL BREYTSPRAAK - DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
Will Breytspraak grew up at Village and his parents are Gus and Linda Breytspraak, long time members of the church. Will graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School. He received his Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College (Princeton, New Jersey). His Bachelor of Music degree is in piano performance from Saint Olaf College (Northfield, Minn.), where he sang in the Saint Olaf Choir.
Prior to coming to Village, Will was chair of Performing Arts at Maret School (Washington, D.C.), and as director of music at Northwood Presbyterian Church (in Silver Spring, Maryland). As children’s chorus master at Washington National Opera, Will prepared ensembles for over 50 performances with the company. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C. in 2013, Will was director of music at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and artistic director of Musica Sacra Atlanta.
"I love to make music with people of all ages,” says Will. “I love rehearsing as much as I love performing. I hope to give back to children and adults some of what I have been given in a lifetime filled with music and wonderful music makers."
Prior to coming to Village, Will was chair of Performing Arts at Maret School (Washington, D.C.), and as director of music at Northwood Presbyterian Church (in Silver Spring, Maryland). As children’s chorus master at Washington National Opera, Will prepared ensembles for over 50 performances with the company. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C. in 2013, Will was director of music at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and artistic director of Musica Sacra Atlanta.
"I love to make music with people of all ages,” says Will. “I love rehearsing as much as I love performing. I hope to give back to children and adults some of what I have been given in a lifetime filled with music and wonderful music makers."
MATTHEW SHEPARD - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
Matthew Christopher Shepard, a Kansas City native, is the associate director of music at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, where he leads the youth choir, youth orchestra, brass ensemble and assists with the adult choirs, the Village Orchestra and handbells.
Matthew is founder, conductor and artistic director of Te Deum Chamber Choir. Perceiving a desire for a high caliber ensemble to perform sacred choral music, he began Te Deum in 2008. Now in its eight season, Te Deum’s performances have become highly anticipated events in the cultural and spiritual life of our community. In addition, Matthew is music director of the Atchison-Benedictine College Orchestra and maintains an active private voice studio.
Beginning his musical studies in saxophone, and voice, Matthew holds an undergraduate degree from William Jewell College and two Master’s Degrees in music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Matthew is founder, conductor and artistic director of Te Deum Chamber Choir. Perceiving a desire for a high caliber ensemble to perform sacred choral music, he began Te Deum in 2008. Now in its eight season, Te Deum’s performances have become highly anticipated events in the cultural and spiritual life of our community. In addition, Matthew is music director of the Atchison-Benedictine College Orchestra and maintains an active private voice studio.
Beginning his musical studies in saxophone, and voice, Matthew holds an undergraduate degree from William Jewell College and two Master’s Degrees in music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.
DR. ELISA BICKERS - PRINCIPAL ORGANIST & ASSOCIATE DIR. OF MUSIC MINISTRY
Elisa Williams Bickers (DMA, FAGO) is the associate director of music and principal organist at Village Presbyterian Church. She directs the Alegría young adult choir and the Village Ringers handbell ensemble. Additionally, she is the keyboardist for the Bach Aria Soloists, a Kansas City chamber music ensemble devoted to performing the works of Bach and composers inspired by him. She performs regularly in recital as a solo organist, harpsichordist, and accompanist, and has served on the faculties of the UMKC Conservatory and Washburn University as instructor of organ and harpsichord. She is the chair for New Music for the 2018 American Guild of Organists National Convention, and as such has been working with composers to commission new works for the pipe organ.
A native of Clinton, Maryland, Dr. Bickers began her organ studies with the Potomac Organ Institute. She has degrees in church music and organ performance from Texas Christian University and the University of Kansas. Her teachers have included Dale Krider, Joseph Butler and Michael Bauer.
Dr. Bickers received first prize and the hymn playing prize in the graduate division of the 2006 William Hall competition. In 2007, she was a quarter-finalist in the American Guild of Organists’ National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, and a semifinalist in the 2010 NYACOP. In 2009, she traveled to Lübeck, Germany to compete in the International Buxtehude Competition. She was awarded the 2009 Carlin Award for excellence in teaching, the highest honor possible for graduate students at KU. In 2016, Dr. Bickers earned the Fellowship certification from the American Guild of Organists, one of the organization’s top honors.
Dr. Bickers makes her home in Overland Park with husband Rob and daughter Isabel. She enjoys digging in the dirt, home food preservation and ridiculous TV shows.
A native of Clinton, Maryland, Dr. Bickers began her organ studies with the Potomac Organ Institute. She has degrees in church music and organ performance from Texas Christian University and the University of Kansas. Her teachers have included Dale Krider, Joseph Butler and Michael Bauer.
Dr. Bickers received first prize and the hymn playing prize in the graduate division of the 2006 William Hall competition. In 2007, she was a quarter-finalist in the American Guild of Organists’ National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, and a semifinalist in the 2010 NYACOP. In 2009, she traveled to Lübeck, Germany to compete in the International Buxtehude Competition. She was awarded the 2009 Carlin Award for excellence in teaching, the highest honor possible for graduate students at KU. In 2016, Dr. Bickers earned the Fellowship certification from the American Guild of Organists, one of the organization’s top honors.
Dr. Bickers makes her home in Overland Park with husband Rob and daughter Isabel. She enjoys digging in the dirt, home food preservation and ridiculous TV shows.
JENNY HULL - COORDINATOR OF CHILDREN'S MUSIC
Jenny Hull is the coordinator of Morning Stars, the Village Church Children's Music and Worship program. She has been leading the oldest children's choir since 2008.
A cellist, Jenny received her undergraduate degree in music from Illinois State University in 1995. She received her Master’s in Education from the University of Kansas in 2002. After her children were born, she became a certified Kindermusik instructor, and started her work with Village Church in the music department, directing the children's choir. In 2007, Jenny began working at the Village Church Child and Family Development Center. She also teaches preschool music classes and directs Village’s yearly drama camp for elementary students each summer.
Jenny and her husband Brad live in Overland Park with their two children, Brady and Katie.
A cellist, Jenny received her undergraduate degree in music from Illinois State University in 1995. She received her Master’s in Education from the University of Kansas in 2002. After her children were born, she became a certified Kindermusik instructor, and started her work with Village Church in the music department, directing the children's choir. In 2007, Jenny began working at the Village Church Child and Family Development Center. She also teaches preschool music classes and directs Village’s yearly drama camp for elementary students each summer.
Jenny and her husband Brad live in Overland Park with their two children, Brady and Katie.
DESTINY ANN MERMAGEN – INSTRUMENT MUSIC COORDINATOR
Destiny Ann Mermagen is the instrumental music coordinator and founder of the Village Players of Village Presbyterian Church. As the winner of international competitions and performance awards, Destiny Ann has appeared as violin soloist and chamber musician in many prestigious venues across the United States, in Russia, Prague, and elsewhere in Europe. She is the first-ever artist to record the complete works of Henri Vieuxtemps’ Bouquet Américain—A collection of charming, witty and virtuosic pieces based on popular American and Irish folk tunes that are written in the typical “Classical Music” style, while at the same time giving a nod to the “American Fiddling” tradition. These works are featured on her 2018 world premiere album, Classical Cowgirl ~ Bach to Barn Burners™.
In 2015, Destiny Ann received the “Live Positive” award, given for acts of kindness. She donated the $10,000 cash prize to Washington, D.C.’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she volunteered her time giving musical performances. Destiny Ann now volunteers at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Missouri.
A native of Rapid City, South Dakota, and in recognition of her spirited cowgirl roots, Destiny Ann’s recent barn burner of a performance was quoted in the Washington Post as “endearingly coltish.” Destiny Ann resides in Prairie Village with her husband, cellist and UMKC professor, Michael Mermagen.
In 2015, Destiny Ann received the “Live Positive” award, given for acts of kindness. She donated the $10,000 cash prize to Washington, D.C.’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she volunteered her time giving musical performances. Destiny Ann now volunteers at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Missouri.
A native of Rapid City, South Dakota, and in recognition of her spirited cowgirl roots, Destiny Ann’s recent barn burner of a performance was quoted in the Washington Post as “endearingly coltish.” Destiny Ann resides in Prairie Village with her husband, cellist and UMKC professor, Michael Mermagen.
CONTACT:
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CAROL DALE - MUSIC COORDINATOR
Carol Dale, music coordinator for Village Presbyterian Church, works directly with the Village Church music department staff. Carol is responsible for the business obligations of the music department, and she is a helpful contact person for the various music ensembles. As music coordinator, she does the scheduling of all the various music ensembles that are offered at Village Church. Carol joined the Village Church staff in April of 2018. Carol was associate professor of music (flute) at the University of Mississippi from 1991-2007 and is on the Board of Directors of the National Flute Association (2019-2022). She received master’s and doctoral degrees in flute performance from Florida State University. She holds a Bachelor of Music in flute performance (with honors) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Carol brings her love for music and musicians, as well as a great deal of administrative experience, to Village. She and her mother live together, and she enjoys flower gardening, photography, puzzles, computers and classical music.
KEVIN DOLAN
Kevin Dolan is a musician and educator who has been working at Village Church since 1999. Kevin’s main focus is education through the medium of music. Besides enriching elementary and preschool classes at Village Church's Sunday morning church school, Kevin also directs the Village Youth Band on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. He is a regular guest visitor at the church's Kids Day Out and Village Preschool programs.
Kevin is better known to preschool and elementary age students throughout the Midwest as Dino O’Dell. Dino is a children’s musician, storyteller and author. In 2014, Dino won the Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence and his books and CDs have won awards from Parent’s Choice, NAPPA (National Parenting Publication Awards) and Story Monster.
Kevin is better known to preschool and elementary age students throughout the Midwest as Dino O’Dell. Dino is a children’s musician, storyteller and author. In 2014, Dino won the Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence and his books and CDs have won awards from Parent’s Choice, NAPPA (National Parenting Publication Awards) and Story Monster.
BECKY & NATHAN BLISS - MUSIC DIRECTORS FOR THE GATHERING
Becky and Nathan Bliss are thrilled to be back in their hometown, working as musical directors for The Gathering Service at Village Church. Both Kansas City natives, Nathan moved to Overland Park from Philadelphia in high school and attended Shawnee Mission North. Becky grew up at Village Presbyterian Church and attended Shawnee Mission East, followed by the University of Kansas where she studied opera and graduated with a degree in Vocal Performance.
Nathan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music with a dual bachelor’s degree in jazz composition and saxophone performance. Soon after, he completed the Master Recording Program II at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Tempe, Ariz. and moved to Los Angeles where he worked in recording studios and taught himself to play guitar.
Introduced by a booking agent in Kansas City in 2005 after college, Becky and Nathan both eventually moved to Brooklyn, got married, and started the indie folk band, Barnaby Bright. After the release of their first full-length album in 2009, they began touring extensively all over the world, playing roughly 150 shows a year. After six years of steady touring, releasing three full-length albums, winning several international songwriting awards and gracing such notable stages as Lincoln Center and NPR’s Mountain Stage, they returned to Kansas City and were thrilled to accept the position as musical directors for The Gathering service at 5 p.m. Sundays in Friendship Hall at Village Church.
Their most sincere hope since they began their musical journey together over 10 years ago was that their songs and sounds would inspire, uplift and connect audiences to something greater than themselves. Being able to do this on a weekly basis in a more focused, intentional way gives them great joy, and they are so grateful for the amazing community of people at Village Pres.
They currently live in Prairie Village with their two rescue cats from Brooklyn, Lenny and Booger Cookie. Nathan is teaching private music lessons and Becky also works as our Young Adult Ministry coordinator. She is also a certified Pure Barre instructor and runs a small vegan, gluten-free dessert business.
Nathan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music with a dual bachelor’s degree in jazz composition and saxophone performance. Soon after, he completed the Master Recording Program II at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Tempe, Ariz. and moved to Los Angeles where he worked in recording studios and taught himself to play guitar.
Introduced by a booking agent in Kansas City in 2005 after college, Becky and Nathan both eventually moved to Brooklyn, got married, and started the indie folk band, Barnaby Bright. After the release of their first full-length album in 2009, they began touring extensively all over the world, playing roughly 150 shows a year. After six years of steady touring, releasing three full-length albums, winning several international songwriting awards and gracing such notable stages as Lincoln Center and NPR’s Mountain Stage, they returned to Kansas City and were thrilled to accept the position as musical directors for The Gathering service at 5 p.m. Sundays in Friendship Hall at Village Church.
Their most sincere hope since they began their musical journey together over 10 years ago was that their songs and sounds would inspire, uplift and connect audiences to something greater than themselves. Being able to do this on a weekly basis in a more focused, intentional way gives them great joy, and they are so grateful for the amazing community of people at Village Pres.
They currently live in Prairie Village with their two rescue cats from Brooklyn, Lenny and Booger Cookie. Nathan is teaching private music lessons and Becky also works as our Young Adult Ministry coordinator. She is also a certified Pure Barre instructor and runs a small vegan, gluten-free dessert business.
RYAN MAIN - DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY AT VILLAGE ON ANTIOCH
Ryan Main begins his new role as director of music at Village on Antioch in August 2017. Ryan served as interim director of music at Village Church on Mission from July 2016 to July 2017. He is the founding director of the Youth Chorus of Kansas City.
As a composer, director and educator, he has worked with children, youth and adults. Prior to working at Village, he was the director of choirs at Van Horn High School and Nowlin Middle School in Independence, Mo. There his choirs regularly earned superior ratings and were honored with a performance at the American Choral Directors’ Association Southwest regional conference. Under his leadership, both choir programs have grown by hundreds of students. Ryan has also served as the director of music at two congregations.
Ryan holds a Master’s of Music in Music Composition and a Master’s of Music in Music Education from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Ryan is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
As a composer, director and educator, he has worked with children, youth and adults. Prior to working at Village, he was the director of choirs at Van Horn High School and Nowlin Middle School in Independence, Mo. There his choirs regularly earned superior ratings and were honored with a performance at the American Choral Directors’ Association Southwest regional conference. Under his leadership, both choir programs have grown by hundreds of students. Ryan has also served as the director of music at two congregations.
Ryan holds a Master’s of Music in Music Composition and a Master’s of Music in Music Education from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Ryan is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
CONTACT:
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