From Kyle Ritter, Organist and Choirmaster
Twenty-eight years ago, I took my first position as organist for a tiny Congregational church in Henderson, Kentucky. I had not yet received my driver's license, and as we lived ten miles away in Evansville, Indiana, my dad had to drive me every Sunday across the Ohio River Bridge to the church. He would then return to Evansville to attend our home church, and following services there, drive back to Henderson to pick me up! My parents were always immensely supportive of my passion for playing the organ and church music; in fact, they did not miss one of my degree recitals in college or graduate school. I feel blessed to have had the support and encouragement of my family throughout my career, and I feel blessed to have had my parents as positive vocational models—my father was a Plumbing Engineer and my mother a Registered Nurse. Both of them were devoted to their careers, and their motto was that if at all possible, love what you do.
I feel truly grateful to have had a vocation that I love. This next season will mark my tenth year as Cathedral Musician at All Souls. The years here have flown by in many ways, and being in ministry here has been fulfilling in every way it could be. I am especially thankful for a phenomenal clergy staff and their dedication to a mutually-based liturgical planning style, where all of us who plan worship are invited to share our ideas. I am beyond appreciative of the many talented and committed adults and children who contribute to the ministry of music by serving as choristers and instrumentalists. Most of all, I am grateful to be one of the All Souls "people" at this juncture in history. What an amazing and gifted collection of individuals!
Beginning August 29 and continuing through November 8, I have been given the gift of a sabbatical. While my plans are not completely finalized, it is my hope to spend some of the time on "sabbath" rest, perhaps travelling to some places I have always wanted to see. I will return to my alma mater, Indiana University (of FORMER basketball fame), where I will take organ lessons with my teacher, Marilyn Keiser. I am also scheduled to play concerts in New Jersey and Connecticut.
While I am away, All Souls will have the unique and wonderful fortune of having Marti Rideout as Interim Cathedral Musician. Marti was for over 30 years the director of music at Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, Virginia, which was at that time one of the twenty largest Episcopal congregations in the country. Marti oversaw a full music program involving children and adults singing and playing instruments. In 1995, Marti and I combined our children's choirs (over 70 children in total) to record 122 hymns from The Hymnal, 1982 for the Episcopal Church Sunday School Curriculum. Marti and her husband, The Reverend Deacon Rob Rideout, are semi-retired and living in Columbus, Ohio. Marti's time with All Souls will be rich for all those involved.
I am deeply appreciative for the All Souls Community and for this sabbatical time, and I look forward to my return November 8.