On
Sunday, June 5th we celebrated Priscilla Metzger's 41 years of
music leadership!
We
call it Bright Sunday - very fitting because she's not only musically
gifted but a sunny personality and a bright spirit too!
After
volunteering as children's choir director, Pris became our paid
Chancel Choir director in 1970, and then accepted the expanded
duties of Director of Music shortly thereafter. Through her direction
and. guidance, COTM choirs: Children's Choir, Sunbeams, Mid- High's
(during' the '70's and 80's, numbering as many as 50 participants
at one time), Chancel Choir, and, most recently, the Men's Choir,
grew and flourished.
In
addition to selecting and directing inspiring Sunday anthems, Pris
undertook various challenging projects with
COTM's volunteer choirs. Choir cantatas were a consistent and favorite
part of Advent worship and the Good Friday service. The orchestrated "Messiah" and Rutter's "Requiem" were
exceptionally memorable and well attended events. Pris brought her
theater talent and experience to her choir leadership. (She's a charter
Alpha Player & has lead Christian Hospital benefits) She directed
combined choirs bringing Bible stories to life in "Joseph and
the Technicolor Dream" Coat", "Cap'n Noah and His
Floating Zoo", It's Cool in the Furnace", "Adam's
Apple", "Light Shine". Pris
also produced 2 great extra-curricular concerts "Spring
Thing" and a musical dinner theater.
During
Pris Metzger's tenure, the Chancel Choir appeared in 2 Christmas
specials on KMOV-TV. In
the late 70's, COTM choirs (over 100 voices) recorded a Christmas
album of sacred and secular music. On several occasions, COTM choirs
toured with anthems and musical programs, sharing their offerings
with local congregations. During
the '90s, Pris spent several summer weeks at Camp MoVal, instructing
and directing favorite Bible musical
productions with interested campers, each resulting in a performance
in a UCC church in the camp's vicinity.
In
recent years, the Men's Choir has provided an evening's presentation
of the National Anthem
at the River City Rascals baseball game. In addition, Pris
has long-served as the COTM wedding coordinator.
In
retirement, Pris
anticipates
enjoying time with family and friends, traveling - especially
spending time with her grandchildren in Germany - continuing
her participation
in the UMSL choir, and maintaining her membership at Church
of The Master. We will miss her spirit and her ever present
smile.
So "cheers & pax" to
you, Pris Metzger! We are grateful for your countless contributions
to COTM!
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
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