If you’ve heard a few more conversations about choirs, organs, and music ministry lately, there’s a good reason. The search for Ocean Park’s next Music Director has reached an exciting new stage, and I’m pleased to share an update with the community.

Over the past several months, the Music Director Search Committee has conducted a nationwide search, reviewing applications and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, we sought candidates with strong musical credentials, organ and choral leadership experience, theological compatibility with Ocean Park’s traditions and values, a gift for community engagement, and the vision to help lead worship and music ministry in Ocean Park for years to come.

As a result of that work, two outstanding candidates have been invited to serve as Guest Music Directors this summer.

Brian De Young, who arrived with his family in June, is serving during the first half of the season. Brian currently serves as Interim Director of Choral Leadership and Campus Ministry Musician at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Ryan Rogers will serve during the second half of the summer. Ryan received his doctoral degree in Choral Conducting at Indiana University and holds a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University. This fall Ryan will begin a position at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.

Rather than making a decision based solely on interviews and résumés, the committee chose an approach that feels very much in keeping with Ocean Park itself: inviting both candidates to spend time here. Ocean Park is difficult to understand from a Zoom call. The best way to get to know this community is to experience it. Likewise, the best way for us to get to know a potential Music Director is to watch them work! This is ultimately a big job, and the Music Director will be responsible for many aspects of our musical life together.

Each candidate will spend approximately six weeks in Ocean Park leading worship music, directing ensembles, participating in community life, and getting to know the people and traditions that make this place unique.

One thing the Search Committee never had to evaluate was whether Ocean Park would know how to welcome people. Time and again, this community has demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, and I know Brian and Ryan will experience that same spirit throughout the summer.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the search process thus far. We look forward to the music, fellowship, and new relationships that this summer will bring.

Tonya Robles

Chair, Music Director Search Committee