Message from James Harp, Cantor

We are blessed to have tremendous musical resources at St. Mark’s! The most obvious one is our magnificent new organ, but we are also most fortunate to have a significant number of parishioners who are quite skilled in both vocal and instrumental music, and who are very generous in donating their gifts to the musical expression of the Glory of God.

One of the stalwarts of the choir is Shawn McDowell. He is such a versatile musician that he often jokes that he never knows where he will sit in the choir on any given Sunday—he “pinch hits” for all vocal parts (except soprano!) In the case that a section of the choir needs some assistance, he has a wide background in music, and was involved in band and choir from an early age. He played the flute in Concert Band, but somehow wound up playing tuba in the Marching Band! He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, majoring in Tuba. At Bowling Green, he was involved in the Drum & Bugle Corps, first as a student and then as a staff member. He continues to be an avid fan and attends competitions during the summer.

He has taught band and elementary school music in Baltimore and Texas, where he also sang in the Texan Bach Choir for over 12 years. He also played in the San Antonio Municipal Band and Flute Choir. Here, in Baltimore, he sang with the Baltimore Symphony Chorus for 4 years and also is a member of the Society for Early Music of Northern Maryland. In addition, he performs in a professional caroling group called “Joyous Voices.”

Another gifted musician in our parish is Suzi Surrey. She became interested in music as a toddler, listening to her mother play the piano and organ. We are very lucky in that her mother, Eylene, worshiped with us at St. Mark’s until she was no longer able. Eylene always joked with me that her least favorite hymn was “A Mighty Fortress”, which, undoubtedly, made Reformation Day uncomfortable for her! Suzi began playing the clarinet at age 10, studying with Fred Cohen at the Cleveland Music School Settlement.

She joined the band in College, but because as a non music major they would only let her play the third clarinet part (not the most interesting!). She lost interest, which was exacerbated by her clarinet being stolen! She then tried the trumpet and guitar, and, after attending some folk and bluegrass concerts, became interested in the hammered dulcimer. She discovered the alto recorder when a roommate left hers behind and has become active in the Society for Early Music in Northern Maryland. She began taking up the clarinet again about five years ago and is enjoying it immensely.

About music at St. Mark’s, she says, “I am very glad to be able to add to the musical environment at St. Mark’s. I have been blessed with musical ability, and am very happy once again being part of musical groups. Music is now a big part of my life again, it provides therapy for me, and is a way I can praise God and give back to the church, through instrumental and vocal music.”

It is truly a blessing to have musicians such as Suzi and Shawn at St. Mark’s. It is through their spirit, generosity, and expertise that we are able to have music at such a high level as we do. Thanks, Shawn and Suzi, and may we continue to share your gifts for many years to come!