Make a Joyful Noise: Introducing Jarred Sorauf, Director of Traditional Music
One of the many things I am grateful for at First Baptist Church is our dedication to the arts and our music ministry. From our Praise Team vocalist and musicians to the Children’s Choir to the Bells and Chancel Choir, we have a beautiful foundation for the arts right here in the heart of Shaker Heights.
I am pleased to share that we are welcoming a new member to our FBC Music Ministry team. Jarred Sorauf will be joining us starting Sunday, October 1st as our Director of Traditional Music.
Jarred comes to First Baptist Church with almost 10 years of experience working in the United Church of Christ and 2 years of experience working in the Presbyterian Church. He holds a Master of Music degree from Cleveland State University, and he also completed graduate courses in organ, piano, and choral conducting at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg University. Jarred holds the CAGO level of certification through the American Guild of Organists. As a teacher, he has taught privately and as an adjunct instructor at Cleveland State University.
Jarred’s performance background includes solo and collaborative piano, organ, chorus, musical theater, and instrumental and choral conducting. Some highlights include performing at the 2016 World Piano Meeting in Coimbra, Portugal, and at the Conservatory Maurice-Baquet in Paris, France. Jarred has also toured historic organs, most notably at the Chapel of São Miguel in Coimbra, Portugal, and the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, France, with Titulaire Organist Daniel Roth.
Jarred brings not only a passion for music to this position but also a passion for worship. He believes that music in worship needs to be grounded in collaboration and community, and should serve as a conduit to connect individuals to their faith. Hymns should inspire enthusiastic congregational singing, unsung instrumental offerings should provide space for spiritual reflection and choir anthems should be chosen to enrich the worship experience as a whole.
Jarred is overjoyed to be joining the staff at First Baptist, and he is looking forward to making meaningful and worshipful music with this church community.
By Kelley Plats
