Dr. Mary Newton
Dr. Mary Newton
3930 Lancaster Lane, #220, Plymouth MN, 55441 | 612-581-3106 | mayanewton@yahoo.com.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished church musician with 30 years of experience in music ministry. Solid history of working with pastors and staff in creating a meaningful worship experience. Passion for theological expression through music and worship. Strong leadership skills as a music director for a variety of ensembles. Formally trained organist and pianist with extensive training, education and experience in organ, piano, and teaching.
PROFESSIONAL MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
Music Director and Organist | September 2022-Present
St. Mark Lutheran Church –Circle Pines, MN
Management of music program of the church. Responsibilities include:
· Play weekly Sunday services and all special services
· Direct adult choir and adult hand bell ensembles
· Assist the Pastor with worship planning using ELW and WOV resources
· Manage the choral and instrumental library
Interim Director of Music | November 2021- September 2022
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church – Eagan, MN
Oversight of worship and music program. Responsibilities include:
Supervised worship volunteers (Altar Guild, assisting ministers, lectors, etc.)
Supervised music staff including adult handbell director, and youth choir/handbell directors
Conducted weekly rehearsals for the adult choir and the 7th-12th grade choir
Planned weekly worship services with clergy staff, using ELW and WOV liturgies, hymns and readings
Played organ and piano for services, holidays, weddings, and funerals
Planned all worship services using Sundays and Seasons online program and other resources
Collaborated with AV staff on weekly worship PowerPoints
Managed the care and maintenance of pianos and 38 rank Nordlie organ
Recruited and rehearsed with guest musicians for worship
Managed the choral and instrumental library
Music Director and Organist | July 2020-November 2021
St. John’s Lutheran Church - Howard Lake, MN
Oversight of the music program for the church. Responsibilities included:
Played weekly Sunday services and all special services
Directed adult choir and youth choirs (Kindergarten -6th grade)
Collaborated with the pastor in strategic planning and worship planning
St. Stephen’s Catholic Church- Anoka, MN| September 2018-June 2020
Music Director and Principal Organist
Oversight and management of large music program. Responsibilities included:
Played the majority of 6 weekly masses (5 English and 1 Spanish), Holy days and all weddings and funerals
Collaborated with the priests to plan the English masses, scheduled all music ensembles for masses, including 3 choirs, 6 cantors, 1 handbell choir, and various instrumental soloists
Accompanied and/or conducted rehearsals as needed for the adult choir, youth choirs, school choir, and adult handbell choir
Managed all musicians, including the choir directors, handbell director, cantors and volunteer musicians
Responsible for the care and maintenance of organ and 4 pianos
Created funeral bulletins in Publisher
St. Barnabas Lutheran Church Plymouth, MN 1999-2018
Organist and Organ Recital Series Director
Played weekly Sunday services and all special services including weddings and funerals, accompanied senior choir, played for all ensembles as needed, coordinated additional music for summer services, created and coordinated an organ recitals series.
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Masterclasses with Pamela Decker (University of Arizona), Hans Fagius (Royal Danish Conservatory) and John Weaver (The Juilliard School)
Solo performances in Twin Cities, upper Midwest, and Arizona
Commissioned and premiered organ work Fantasy on Lobe den Herren, by Twin Cities composer Aaron David Miller
Rehearsal accompanist for choral work Mass for Job, by Twin Cities composer Jeff Whitmill
Rehearsal and performance organist for “Open Sing” choral events, conducted by Dr. John Hoffacker- Works presented included Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Requiem and Faure’s Requiem
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
“Organists and Covid-19: How to Survive and Thrive During a Pandemic.” The American Organist. (August 2020)
“So You Have Been Asked to Play the Organ: A Guide for Pianists.” Clavier Companion. (March/April 2017)
“Middle School and High School Piano Students as Potential Organists: Working with Piano Instructors to Cultivate Organists.” The American Organist (June 2016)
“Youth and the Organ: Challenges and Strategies for Working with Upper Elementary and Middle School-Aged Students.” The American Organist (November 2013)
Help! I’ve Been Asked to Play the Organ: A Guide for Pianists. Presented at the Minnesota Music Teachers Association State Conference, Plymouth, Minnesota, June. 2020 (Cancelled due to COVID-19)
Demystifying Guild Exam Preparation: Strategies and Resources for the Service Playing and Colleague Exams. Presented at the American Guild of Organists Regional Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. June 2019
Collaboration in Keyboard Instruction: Introducing Piano Students to the Pipe Organ. Presented at the Minnesota Music Teachers Association State Conference, Plymouth, Minnesota. June 2010
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Professional church musician for over 30 years
Deep understanding of the theological and liturgical role of music in Lutheran worship
Proven ability to manage large music programs, volunteers, paid staff, recital series
Strong relationship skills and enjoy being involved in a congregational community
Ability to adapt and navigate high pressure musical situations
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance with a secondary emphasis in Music Education
Concordia University, River Forest, IL. Master of Church Music, emphasis in organ
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN. Bachelor of Arts in Music, Emphasis in organ and church music
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Private Piano Instructor
Ovation Academy
Plymouth, MN 2015- Present
Virtuosos Music Academy
Plymouth, MN 2015-2018
La Musique Studios
Minnetonka, MN 2000-2012
Private Piano and Organ Instructor
St. Barnabas Center for the Arts
Plymouth, MN 2005-2018
AWARDS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
American Guild of Organists (National)
Elected to serve as North Central Regional Councillor to the Northcentral area (July 2022-2024).
Committee member for national competitions (July 2011- July 2018, April 2020).
Oversight of Rising Star recitals, National Convention, Minneapolis, MN (June 2008).
Implemented “Introduction to the Organ” workshop for youth in conjunction with the Twin Cities AGO.
American Guild of Organists
(Twin Cities Chapter)
Student Scholarship Competition Coordinator (2006 - Present).
Member of Twin Cities Executive Board (2011- 2014), (2022- Present).
National Federation of Music Clubs
President Chain of Lakes Music Club, April 2015- 2018, and current member.