Shirley W. Wilson joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant as Music Associate/Children in June of 2004. Following an extensive local and national search for an organist, Shirley was promoted to the position of Music Associate/Organist and Children in January of 2005. She works under the direction of Steven Skinner, Minister of Music and Worship, to serve as organist for the services of the church, to accompany the Covenant Choir,
and to oversee the children’s music program.

In speaking of Shirley, Steve Skinner explained, "The music program of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant plays a key role in the overall ministry of the church. Shirley Wilson brings to the position of organist a life-long understanding of church music and over 20 years of experience as a church organist. Shirley views the organist as a worship leader. Her excellent service-playing skills, her skills as an accompanist, and especially her spiritual commitment, give her special qualities as she serves in this role of ministry. She also brings to the children’s music ministry the attention of a person with specific training for this age group. Special emphasis on children’s music is imperative as a ‘feeder’ to the entire music program, and is foundational in its impact on educational and spiritual training. This part of the music program also helps to attract and retain young families for the church, by providing a first-rate sequential musical offering for their children.”

Shirley grew up on a dairy farm in nearby Clymer, NY. She and her family were very active members of the Edwards Chapel Evangelical United Brethren Church. All through her formative years, Shirley used her musical talent to minister at her church.

Shirley graduated from Houghton College (NY) in 1967 earning a Bachelor of Music degree in music education with a major in piano. She also earned 30 graduate hours in music education from the Hartt School of Music of the University of Hartford leading to teacher certification. She then earned a Master’s degree in elementary education from Central Connecticut State University.

Shirley taught elementary school music for six years in the Pioneer Central School District in Delevan, NY. She then taught elementary and middle school music for 26 years in the Bloomfield (CT) Public Schools using the Kodaly method. In 1996, Shirley was named Teacher of the Year by the Bloomfield Schools and was a candidate for the State of Connecticut Teacher of the Year.

Shirley has written magazine articles for the Connecticut Music Educators Association, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and the Music Educators National Conference. She has conducted teacher training seminars as a consultant for various school districts and served
as a State of Connecticut Mentor-Teacher.

Shirley served as church organist at Calvary Church in West Hartford, CT for 20 years and served for nine years as a member of the national Board of Directors of Christian Educators Association International, an organization that provides fellowship and support for Christian teachers
serving in the public schools.

In 1968, Shirley married Dean K. Wilson, who serves as Director of Communications for
First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

See the Music page for much more information about music opportunities
at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

 

Telephone: (814) 456-4243 Extension 214

E-mail: shirley.wilson@firstcovenanterie.org

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