FROM THE DESK OF

The Rev. Ledlie I. Laughlin
Rector , St. Columba's
Episcopal Church
Washington, DC
Dear Sisters and Brothers of St. Columba's,
 
I am glad to share the news that Anne Timpane has accepted my invitation to serve as the Director of Music Ministries at St. Columba's. Anne embodies the perfect mix needed for this role; she brings experience, vision, faith, and artistic excellence, coupled with personal warmth and strength. She will build upon and lead our marvelous music ministry in new and exciting ways. It was a joy to see the engagement of our boy and girl choristers under Anne's guidance, to hear her play our organ, to experience her clear direction of the adult choir, and to engage with her as a partner in planning for our future. We'll make music together, offer it to God in joy through the seasons of our lives, and proclaim the Gospel of God's love.
 
Anne has come full circle, having spent her first four years after college as Associate Director of Music here at St. Columba's. Naturally, we've changed and Anne has grown in wisdom, skill, and experience, so this will be an altogether new adventure. With a Bachelor's degree in Church Music from Westminster Choir College and her Master's degree in Organ Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, Anne has served in a variety of music leadership roles and comes to us now having served the past ten years at St. John's Norwood Parish in Chevy Chase.
 
The pool of candidates for this position was deep and wide. My profound thanks go to our Music Search Committee for their extraordinary commitment and wise discernment: Rick Dulaney and Meg Dixon, co-chairs; Shelley Brown, Linda Alison Haslach, the Rev. Kate Heichler, Jean Hoff, Rosa Lamoreaux, and LeRoy Walters. 

Anne writes ~


St. Columba's commitment to musical leadership by parishioners and the well-established culture 
of participation by musicians of all ages sets it apart from other music programs in a compelling and enviable way. Music is the vehicle, but the real joy is not only in the singing, but in the relationships and community  that are built through making music together as an  act of worship.
   
My experience with singers and ringers of all ages has equipped me  to continue and build upon this  spirit and tradition of musical  excellence that St. Columba's has enjoyed for so many years. I look forward to sharing in the music  already known and beloved by the singers in the choirs, while at the same time, expanding and broadening their repertoire with pieces I've discovered through my work with other groups. I am excited to begin meeting and guiding the children and youth of the parish as they build musical skills in rehearsals and take on their roles as worship leaders. I welcome the challenges involved in becoming a productive part of the leadership team, and will continue nurturing the gifts of time and talent shared by the parish's  talented volunteers as I work to engage and encourage the congregation through the experience of communal music making.

St. Columba's is a truly special place and I am excited and humbled to have been selected to serve as your
next  Director of Music Ministries.


Anne's official start date is August 15; stay tuned for opportunities to meet and welcome her.
 
With hope and joy, 
Ledlie

St. Columba's | 4201 Albemarle St., NW | Washington, DC 20016 | Columba.org