A New Chapter for Music Ministry at Southminster

Dear friends,

The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce that the Southminster Session has unanimously voted to hire Ty Thornton as our new Director of Music.  This decision follows his outstanding work as our Interim Director of the Chancel Choir and marks an exciting next chapter for our music ministry.

Ty has been an integral part of our community since he joined us as organist at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church in 2006. Since the merger with Southminster in 2022, he has been serving as our church pianist. Over this time, we have all experienced his collaborative spirit and his commitment to our worship life.

Beyond his deep understanding of our congregation, Ty brings extensive professional experience to this role. He holds a Master of Music in musicology from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Piano Performance from Bob Jones University. He has served as a choir director and organist at other churches and taught on the faculties of the University of Alabama and Birmingham-Southern College. He also has over fifteen years of experience as a musical director and accompanist for various theater and ballet companies, including the Alabama Ballet and Opera Birmingham. Ty also served as principal accompanist and associate conductor for the Magic City Choral Society for ten seasons.

After working closely with a human resources consultant to consider the most effective staffing structure for our church, the Personnel Committee decided to move forward with Ty rather than conducting an outside search. This decision reflects his proven ability and our conviction that he is the right person to lead our music program.

Ty's strong performance in the interim role has further demonstrated his skills, dedication to our choir members and student singers, and excellent fit with our congregation. We believe his experience and gifts will enrich our worship and help our music ministry flourish.

Please join us in celebrating this wonderful news and in welcoming Ty as our permanent Director of Music!

In Christ,

Charles Edwards,

Chair, Personnel Committee