Announcing Our New Director of Music …
Milton Williams
We happily welcome Milton Williams to CUMC and look forward to his musical direction for our choral and instrumental groups.
Milton comes to CUMC with experience in many different facets of music and sound. He has been a music director in a number of churches, most recently in the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, working with their choral and bell choirs. Milton has also served as music director and conductor for professional and collegiate orchestral, choral and operatic ensembles including being Director and Principal Conductor of the Student Division of Vocal Music at the University of California at Berkeley and of their Faculty Men’s Chorus known as The Monks.
He has worked as a guest conductor for orchestral ensembles including the San Francisco Pops Orchestra. A highlight of hist conducting career happened in the summer of 2000 when he was the Associate conductor for the production of Leonard Bernstein’s theatre piece Mass at Vatican City, Rome, Italy, for Pope John Paul II’s Jubilee 2000 celebrations. Milton has a great voice too! He has performed internationally as a vocalist, narrated over a dozen works including Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. His combined repertoire numbers more than thirty-five oratorios, operas and musicals.
Milton’s work here at CUMC will include:
- Directing the Chancel Choir and Men in Black.
- Coordinating with and supporting the volunteer leaders of the Youth Praise Band, Bell Choir, and Children’s Choir.
- Working with Pastor Lisa, the ministry staff and volunteers to plan creative worship experiences for the weekly services and special holiday events and services.
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and Milton knows MIDI. He currently teaches an on-line course and a MIDI class at College of San Mateo and at Skyline Community College.
Milton’s daughter Katherine works for Gilead Sciences in Foster City and lives in Pacifica, so he knows the Coastside well. Milton lives in San Mateo.
Welcome Milton! We’re glad you’re here!
