MUSIC DIRECTOR AND ORGANIST
Andrea Putnam B.MUS., B.ED. MUS SPEC.

Andrea Putnam was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario. Her love of music began at the age of 6, when she started piano lessons. Andrea completed her Grade 9 Piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1996. 

Andrea went on to study music at the University of Western Ontario, earning her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education. Her major instrument was the oboe.  She spent her summers working as a Fifer in the Fort Henry Guard.  She then completed her Bachelor of Education in Fine Arts from York University. 

Having completed her education Andrea moved back to Kingston to be a teacher with the Limestone District School Board.  Andrea has studied organ with both Mark Sirett and David Cameron.  She was the 2nd Oboist with the Kingston Symphony Orchestra from 2003 to 2010.  In November of 2009 Andrea was the founding director of the CPUC Worship Choir.  Currently Andrea is playing oboe with Orchestra Kingston. 

Andrea believes that music is one of the many "thin places", through which people can experience God.  She believes it is improtant that worship be textured or layered with a variety of musical expressions.  She believes that an inclusive and meaningful worship experience includes unconventional church music, but also includes the traditional music of our faith tradition.

ACCOMPANIST AND ORGANIST
Kate Van Allen

 A graduate of Queen's (B.Mus.,B.Ed.), Kate was a school teacher and pianist in Kingston before moving to Ottawa in 1984. After 14 years of teaching piano and raising 3 daughters, the family returned to Kingston in 1998. Since that time she has been keeping busy as a piano teacher, accompanist, and, until Dec., conductor of the Parr Christie Singers. She has also been involved in a number of musical theater productions.

In addition, she has been substitute pianist at Cooke's-Portsmouth for a few years and is happy to be working in collaboration with Andrea, Peter and the many members of the CPUC Worship team.

Worship Choir

In late 2009, our new Worship Choir was formed.  The Worship Choir is made up of approximately fifteen sopranos, altors, tenors and basses.  The Choir sings sacred music in a variety of styles, from classics by Handel to new pieces composed last week.  The Choir participates in worship services at least twice per month. 

New members are always welcome!

Celtic Ensemble

One of our most unique musical groups is our Celtic Ensemble.  Currently made up of a flute, bodhran, penny whistle, small pipes, harp and fiddle.  This musical group plays a variety of traditional celtic tunes and familiar sacred music.  The Celtic Ensemble participates in worship 4-6 times per year. 

Special Music, Soloists

Our congregation is blessed with many wonderfully gifted musicians.  A Harpist, violist, tuba player, bag piper, pianists and oboeist regularly participate in worship.  If you would be willing to share your musical gifts in worship, please let Andrea Putnam know.