Peter DuBois on Sabbatical
Director of Music/Organist Peter DuBois will be on sabbatical this winter/spring, beginning on February 1, and continuing through April 30. This is only his second sabbatical in thirty years, the last being in 2002, when he spent time studying and performing in Paris.
The term sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of sabbath—a time to rest, renew, reflect and refocus. In addition to these most important restorative activities, Peter will be undertaking a couple of musical projects that have been long deferred; will perform an organ recital for the Atlanta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists; and will do some intentional study of congregations—many like ours—to identify best practices in the integration of livestream technology and worship. This will include some online surveys, as well as travel to particular places that have demonstrated a high standard of livestream presence.
Peter will return to the office—and the organ bench—on Sunday, May 1. He is most grateful to the congregation and Personnel Committee for this opportunity.
Musical Leadership During Peter’s Sabbatical
During Peter’s time away, we are most fortunate to have James Kealey already in place as Associate Director of Music/Organist, who will step into a larger leadership role with the Chancel Choir direction and management, and assume some of the additional administrative responsibilities that Peter typically undertakes.
In addition, we will enjoy wonderful leadership at the organ from Keith Reas (pictured at left), recently retired from a long and distinguished career as a full-time church musician in several significant positions. More information about Keith follows, and we know you will want to welcome him when he begins his work at Third Church on February 1.
Originally from Big Flats, NY, Keith Reas earned degrees in organ from Oberlin College, The University of Oregon, and The Eastman School of Music, where he was a student of Russell Saunders. While at Eastman, he served as Organist and Director of Music at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church.
He was awarded First Prize in the 1985 International Organ Playing Competition in Ann Arbor, MI, and has since performed solo and collaborative concerts throughout the US and in England, Germany and Italy. He has held major church positions in Richland, WA; Phoenix, AZ; Washington, D.C. and Chattanooga, TN; led community and college choruses; and been a frequent performer at early music festivals. With flutist Linda Marianiello he recorded two CDs of organ/flute repertoire on the MSR label, and is the organist on two discs with the choral group Musikanten (Kerry Krebill, conductor.).
He retired in 2018 and returned to Rochester with his husband and cats to be near family, Keuka Lake, and the vibrant organ scene here in Rochester. He is currently co-artistic coordinator for the Third Thursday concerts at the MAG, and outreach coordinator for the Eastman organ department.