Welcome Dr. Kirsten Santos Rutschman, New Associate Director of Music Ministries!

Kirsten will lead our Children’s Choir program, engage instrumentalists for playing opportunities, accompany the Chancel Choir and Youth Choir, while sharing service playing duties with Tim Evers, our Director of Music Ministries. She will begin her call with Westminster on Monday, January 8.

Kirsten previously served congregations in Wayne (PA), St. Louis (MO), Durham (NC), and Bellingham (WA). She comes with extensive experience in all facets of church music ministry. An organist, pianist and Swedish fiddler, Kirsten holds degrees in musicology (Ph.D., M.A.) from Duke University and in German Studies (B.A.) from Stanford University. In addition, she has studied and completed Fulbright-supported research in Sweden. Her organ teachers include Robert Parkins (Duke), Robert Huw Morgan (Stanford), Lars Åberg (Linköping Cathedral, Sweden), and Karl Wikenståhl (Hjo Folkhögskola, Sweden).

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Kirsten grew up in a musical congregation, beginning with Cherub Choir at age 4. She has rung handbells since middle school and has extensive experience as an orchestral violinist. You will find Kirsten to be warm, caring and engaging. And perhaps you will be a lucky recipient of her baked goods.

In Kirsten’s own words, “I am thrilled to join the staff team at Westminster! I look forward to working with members of the congregation, both children and adults, to enrich musical offerings in worship services and other church activities.”

We look forward to Kirsten beginning ministry with us next week. You are encouraged to greet and welcome her to our community.