Saint Margaret’s | Michael Brittenback

Michael Brittenback

A New Voice Among Us

October 1993

St. Margaret's is pleased to welcome Michael Brittenback as our new Minister of Music. Michael has been studying music in a doctoral program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He has also been directing music programs at Grandview Presbyterian Church in Glendale and at St Thomas Episcopal Church in Hollywood. Michael's first Sunday at St Margaret's will be Nov. 7. Please take some time after the service to meet and welcome him to our parish.

Our grateful thanks to John Norman for chairing an excellent selection committee

Committee members: Nancy Watson, Ellie Devitt, Barbara Cory, Dan Waddell, and Jean Smith.

THURSDAY EVENING CHOIR REHEARSAL TO RESUME

Michael extends this special invitation to St. Margaret's parishioners: "Choir rehearsal begins Nov. 4. As your newly appointed Minister of Music, I am extending an invitation to all who want to sing to join the choir at our rehearsals on Thursday evenings, 7 PM.

"We are planning an exciting season of music for the choir and seek anyone with a desire and love of singing."

May 1999
Mike Brittenback was called to St. Margaret's in 1993 as its Minister of Music. Born and raised near Indianapolis, Indiana. Mike began studying piano at the age of five. He took part in his church choirs and was confirmed in the Episcopal Church at the age of 17. After eighteen years pursuing a business career, he returned to Northwestern University, completing a Masters in Church Music, then moving to L.A. where he continued education toward a doctorate at USC.

It was at this point that Mike's path led him to St. Margaret's where he was immediately offered two challenges:

to mold a small parish music program into a larger, more encompassing musical outreach to the community and,

to shepherd the parish through the design and installation of a major new organ for worship. Over the past five years, the program has grown from one to five choirs, a well-attended, renowned Concert Series, and a working music committee.

Each year, the musical arts program has continued to improve and evolve reaching greater dimensions in the community.

St. Margaret's new Quimby organ was debuted last November and is already known throughout the United States and Europe for its ground breaking design as a worship instrument.

Mike's invaluable contribution to St. Margaret's Church has left us poised to leap greater heights to the Glory of God through music. According to Mike, each turning point in his life has been a blessing from God — we pray this move will be every bit as wonderful. Thank you, Mike, for your contribution to the growth of this church and its outreach to the Coachella Valley.

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