DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Joel grew up in Morris, IL.  He started piano lessons in 5th grade and by 8th grade was accompanying at the school music programs.  He studied piano, organ and percussion at Millikin University in Decatur, IL, earning a Bachelor of Music with a double emphasis in classial performance and commerical music.  He moved to Nashville, TN to get his Masters Degree in Piano Performance at Belmont Univeristy.  While in Belmont, he was a collaboritive pianist, playing for students and faculty recitals and lessons, both for vocalists and instrumentalists.

While in Nashville, Joel was a gigging musician, piano teacher, collaboritive pianist, choral accompanist in addition to his church music work.  He served as Choirmaster/Organist at The Episcopal Church of the Ressurection before serving as Director of Music at The Church of St. Matthew in Franklin, TN for over 17 years.

In 2023, Joel relocated to Minnesota and began his tenure at Ascension.  He also serves as accompanist for the River City Chorale in Hudson, WI and is the Saturday Musician at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Minneapolis.  Joel lives in Woodbury with his wife, daughter and dog named Banjo.  In addition to music, he enjoys RC airplanes, computer games and is getting back into running.