Holly Simons is delighted to be Minister of Music at All Saints Episcopal Church in Wolfeboro, NH. Her journey as a church musician began at the tender age of 15, in a small New England church in Wenham, MA. She has since served many years in Baptist, Congregational and now an Episcopal church as organist, pianist, choir director and as worship team/band leader as well. She received her BS in Music Education at Gordon College, where she also met her husband of 44 years, Ralph, a gifted man in all things “technology”. They settled in Newburyport, MA for 27 years while raising their 3 children, Matthew, Rachel and James. Moving to Wolfeboro in 2001 to be near Holly’s parents, Ralph and Holly both served in staff positions at First Congregational Church in Ossipee until 2012. Holly loves spending time with Ralph and family (especially those precious 5 grandchildren!) hiking/biking, reading, sipping hot tea, having deep conversations, and enjoying a variety of music.
Vocational Summary
My primary skills and gifts are as team coach/planner, administrator, mentor, pianist/organist, vocalist, choral coach, and encourager. These skills have been utilized regularly in the last 45 years through independent teaching/coaching, and church employment as praise team leader (band and vocalists), organist, keyboardist, vocalist, worship planning team member, overseer of special events, wedding/funeral accompanist, community school and theater help, party and event musician, and oversight/coaching of preschool children’s musical learning.
Vocational History
2013 – present Minister of Music
All Saints Episcopal Church, Wolfeboro, NH
The Minister of Music serves All Saints Episcopal Church as organist and choir director, sharing in the pastoral care, worship and spiritual leadership of this Congregation under the guidance and supervision of the Rector. By word and action the Minister of Music shall proclaim the Gospel, love and serve God’s people, nourish them, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.
2001- 2011 Director of Creative Arts
First Congregational Church of Ossippee, NH
This job involved working closely with the Pastoral Staff and Planning Team to shape weekly services (in latter years using Planning Center Online); regular leadership and mentoring of worship team vocalists and band; development of musicians and leaders in this arena; regular interface and recent oversight of the tech arts team; seasonal oversight and use of adult and children’s choirs, also adult handbell choir; oversight and administration of outside groups and musicians.
1988 – 1993 Director of Music: Organist, Choir Director, Worship Leader
Byfield Parish Church Georgetown, MA
This job involved working closely with the Pastoral Staff, Music and Worship Committees to oversee and orchestrate the adult choir; select and prepare weekly service music, both vocal and keyboard; arrange and prepare special music selections, both vocal and instrumental; encourage and plan special events, both holiday musicals and outside groups coming in to perform; encourage and aid in intermittent youth choir and youth musicals; training and mentoring of younger hired church musicians.
Education
1970 – 1974 Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts
BS in Music Education with Piano Performance Minor