The BASS Convention

March 9, I led 2 training sessions for the BASS Convention. The training workshops I taught were Dynamic Guitar in Worship (both acoustic and electric), and Dynamic Bass Guitar in Worship (both acoustic and electric). The sessions were hands-on, so people brought your instrument! There were three general sessions and over 300 workshops for everyone involved in ministry at churches, both professionally and voluntarily.

National Worship Leader Conference

Worship leaders, musicians, songwriters, movers and shakers, theologians and scholars, all connected at the National Worship Leader Conference in Nashville, TN, May 20-21. This will be the fourth year I’ll be leading workshops for NWLC. I’ll be teaching on How to Record Your Own Music (ProTools), How to Write Out Your Music (Sibelius), and How to Read Music (MusicTheory.net). If you would like to come, you can come as my friend and use my 25% discount code: FRIENDS25.

Thank you for your support!

I really appreciate your prayers and support! There’s been so many significant aspects of ministry that would not have been the same without your uplifting prayers and encouragement. You empower us to fulfill our Mission Statement to Lead others toward intimacy with God and toward excellence in artistry. If you would like to help Heartfelt Music® financially, go to our website for more information by clicking HERE. Thank you so much!

Amazing Ministry for Fall

The summer wrapped up beautifully after 8 concerts at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. I’ll be the Concert Coordinator again next summer and have an amazing line-up: Sanctus Real (6/15), The King’s Brass (6/22), Fernando Ortega (6/29), Buddy Greene (7/6), Phil Keaggy (7/13), Aaron Shust (7/20), and Point of Grace (7/27). Mark your calendar for these wonderful free concerts!
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We just finished our first quarter at Valley Christian School and it is so fulfilling to train and mentor these students. My Music Technology class is producing a free concert Friday with singer/songwriter Anja Kotar and guitarist Dimitri Morris. You can hear her songs on Apple Music HERE. We just finished our Spiritual Emphasis week where the faculty went to Mount Hermon for a day of spiritual renewal and the student body spent four days with inspiring chapels. Our worship team this year has students and adults playing on the same team, which has really raised the bar. I’m having fun with my four guitar classes. There is even a guitar club during lunch that I am advising.
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My oldest son, Brandon, got married in September to Kristin and went to Whales for their honeymoon. Now both of my boys are married and enjoying their new adventures with their spouses. Sherri and I are now empty-nesters with a 120-pound Bernese Mountain Dog…having fun!
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I’m still the Worship Arts Director with Gilroy Presbyterian Church and President of the Community Group at Mount Hermon. Life is full, but I’m doing what I love. Lots of ministry, lots of relational interconnection, and lots of teaching/training.
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I appreciate your continued prayers and support! You inspires the things I do to have eternal results. God is doing a great work! If you would like to help Heartfelt Music® financially, click HERE.

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Brandon & Kristin Are Married!

Brandon & Kristin had a wonderful wedding on September 20 in Berkeley. I was able to do the officiating and felt so honored to help tie the knot. They went to Whales for their honeymoon and are happily employed in great companies. Brandon is working at Facebook with concept design for 3D art with Oculus. Kristin is working with animation at Lucas Film. Needless to say, I’m very proud of them! Brandon continues to paint and draw on his own time.

Anja Kotar in Concert at VCS

Anja Kotar (professional vocal artist) will be performing with Dimitri Morris (professional guitarist) at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Hall this Friday, November 2, at 7:00pm. Both of them are Valley Christian alumni. My Music Technology class is putting on this concert to learn how to produce concerts. All the details can be found by clicking HERE. She will be sharing from her album called Nomad and having a Listening Party at 5:00pm.

I’m Selling My Taylor 815CE

I am selling my Taylor 815CE guitar. It’s been a beautiful one-of-a-kind instrument and is still in mint condition. It has unique inlay on the fretboard and the bridge and has ebony tuning keys. The Florentine cut-a-way is striking and the tone is prestine.  Click the picture above or HERE to watch a video of me playing the guitar on my song Abundant Sunshine. I’m putting it on eBay this weekend with more pictures. I’m selling it for $4,000. Let me know if you’re interested.

Coming Events

Nov 2 (Friday)
Anja Kotar will be doing a free concert with Dimitri Morris this Friday, 7:00pm, at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Hall (100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111).

Nov 11, 18, 25 (Sundays)
I’ll be leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am, at  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. Come worship with us!

Relationships & Worship Matters

The book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin covers many relevant issues on worship. On the Heartfelt Music website, under the category of Worship Matters book, I summarize the book in four parts. In Part 4, Bob reminds us that worship ministry is always about people. It is very important to keep in mind at all times that people are so important! God is all about relationships. Because of His deep love for us, God sent His Son to die for people, to heal relationships, and draw us all closer to Him. Relationships are messy and there are so many variables which make it hard to have a “cookie cutter” answer in solving problems. “But I know this,” says Bob, “the church doesn’t need leaders who love to lead people in worship but don’t love the people they’re serving.” It’s not just selecting the right songs that pleases God, but God is more interested in how we treat others. Take stock of your relationships and love them like Jesus would.

Phil Keaggy is Coming!

Saturday, June 23, guitar master and concert artist Phil Keaggy will be coming to Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, which begins the Summer Concert Series. Invite every guitar player you know!

Austin Coates is Getting Married!

Austin, my youngest son, is getting married this month to Lindsey Doran. Sherri and I are so excited for them and are full of joy in the midst of all the preparations. They met at George Fox University in Oregon.

Brandon Coates is Getting Married!

Brandon, my oldest son, is getting married in September to Kristin Campbell. Sherri and I are so blessed to know both Austin and Brandon have found wonderful and beautiful soul-mates. They also met at college, San Jose State University.

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Worship Matters

I will be giving a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church this Sunday. It’s a musical three part series we’ve been having once a month to enhance our love for the Lord and express worship through music. The theme is Music in Faith and it starts at 6:30pm. I would love to see you!

The book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin covers many relevant issues on worship. On the Heartfelt Music website, under the category of Worship Matters book, I summarize the book in four parts. Part 2 covers “The Task” of worship leading.  Bob beautifully gives a working definition of the purpose in worship leading with the following sentence:

A faithful worship leader
magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ
through the power of the Holy Spirit
by skillfully combining God’s Word with music,
thereby motivating the gathered church
to proclaim the gospel,
to cherish God’s presence,
and to live for God’s glory.

May you be reminded to magnify the greatness of God and live for His glory in all you do!

Reggie in Concert at Gilroy Pres.

I will be doing a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, Sunday, March 18, at 6:30pm. This is the third of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. This Music of Faith concert begins at 6:30pm. It will be just me with guitar and vocal tapestry. I’d love to see you!

Easter Sunrise Service at Mount Hermon

An Easter sunrise service, open to the public, will be conduced at the summit of Mount Hermon on Easter Sunday, April 1, at 6:30am. Reggie Coates will be leading a time of worship and Randal Kay will share an Easter message. Breakfast is served immediately following the service.

Praise & Worship

Heartfelt Music has me involved in many things lately, which takes a lot of time and energy. But, everything works together and overlaps in the area of praising and worshiping God. Leading worship in churches; training others to sing praises through private lessons; teaching at conferences; organizing summer concerts at Mount Hermon…I love what I do!

Coming Events

March 18 (Sunday)
Music of Faith Concert with Reggie at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. It begins at 6:30pm. It will be just me with guitar and vocal tapestry.

March 30 (Friday)
Good Friday Service at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. It begins at 7:00pm. I’ll be leading music at this meaningful time of reflecting on the cross of Christ.

April 1 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon’s Easter Sunrise Service, at the cross near Ponderosa Lodge, 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, CA 95041. Breakfast is served after the service.

April 1 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at the main service on Sunday, 10:00am.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

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Still Ministering!

At the beginning of this new year, I’ve been contemplating what has remained true throughout my adult life and the 34 years of Heartfelt Music. The word that comes to mind is ministry. It’s tempting to see concerts, albums, and training events to be primarily about fame. I’ve seen many artists push hard to get their name out above others and base their important decisions on how much money will come in. A part of the entertainment business requires artists to think about these things, but it could be a slippery slope, especially when character and integrity are treated as less important. I’m very glad that over the years, Heartfelt Music has been an organization committed to ministry and not fame. We’ve emphasized people, relationships, encouraging others toward right living and a strong faith in Christ. The name of Jesus matters more than my name and mentoring others is so fulfilling. I’ll be doing more concerts in the next few months and will be promoting other artists’ concerts as well. All of this is for ministry, positively influencing and encouraging all those who come. Thank you for your help and prayers to keep me focused toward ministry, maintaining the priorities that make eternal differences.

Gilroy Concert

There will be a Praise Night with me and the worship band at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, this Sunday, January 28, at 6:30pm. This is the first of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. I will be leading, with the GPC worship team, popular worship songs. David Talbott will be leading a hymn sing Sunday, February 25, to recall the greatness of God through song. Then, Sunday, March 18, I will be doing a full concert with lots of guitar and vocal tapestry.

Valley Christian School Concert

There will be a staff concert on Tuesday, March 6, where some of the faculty of Valley Christian Schools in San Jose will perform in the Conservatory Concert Hall. I’ll be one of the performers this evening with both voice and guitar. Some of my amazing cohorts will sing, play saxophone, piano, and other instruments to demonstrate the wonderful talent represented at VCS. It’s open to the public, students, and faculty. It begins at 7:00pm.

Mount Hermon Concert

In the beautiful Santa Cruz Redwoods, there will be a Summer Concert Series with artists such as Phil Keaggy and Point of Grace. I will be performing in concert with Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers on Saturday, August 4, at 7:30. Elizabeth will do a 20 minute concert, I’ll do a 20 minute concert, then together we’ll lead everyone in familiar worship songs. Concerts are free, but you can enjoy a buffet dinner right before the concert for $25.00.

Coming Events

January 28 (Sunday)
Praise Night with Reggie and the praise band at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 6:30pm. This is the first of three monthly Sunday Evening Worship Series. I will be leading singing with the GPC morning worship service band.

January 28 (Sunday)
I’ll be regularly leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am.  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

March 3 (Saturday)
I’ll be teaching workshops on worship, guitar, and voice at the BASS Convention. Redwood Chapel,
19300 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA.

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Meaningful Thanksgiving

The usual Thanksgiving wish is “Happy Thanksgiving,” but I wish you a “meaningful Thanksgiving” weekend. May you experience a sense of joy as you share your gratitude with family and friends and thank God for who He is and all He provides. Yet, if you are experiencing hard times and find it difficult to see Thanksgiving as a “happy” time, may you find meaning and gratitude for all the good in your life. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17).”

Thank you for your interest in the ongoing work of Heartfelt Music Ministry. We continue to intentionally lead and influence through mentoring, training, teaching, and music performance. Your prayers and support are appreciated so much!
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Worship Teams at VCS

The Valley Christian School Worship Teams have been going so well. They have led worship everyday for our Spiritual Emphasis Week; led worship for Gilroy Presbyterian Church; and last Wednesday, they led a Worship Chapel where they organized the whole chapel. This year, we have just one team, which gives them more opportunities to lead. The Junior High Worship Team is also doing a great job.
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Easy Donations to Heartfelt Music

Without spending any extra money, you can have a portion of what you buy on Amazon.com by going through Amazon Smile. Also, Heartfelt Music is now registered with Pay Pal Giving Fund and is a Charity through eBay GivingWorks. When purchasing anything on eBay, if you list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a small donation. Every little bit helps. You can also donate through Pay Pal and now 100% goes to us. Click here to find out more about donating through Pay Pal.
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Summer Concert Series at Mount Hermon

At Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, this summer I am coordinating the eight concerts every Saturday night. I’m very excited about all the musicians who will be performing: Phil Keaggy, Buddy Greene, Brush Arbor, Dave Talbott & Alex Russell, Point of Grace, Captivating Keyboards, Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers & me, and the Celebration Choir. Click here for more info.
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Leading Worship at Gilroy Presbyterian Church

November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Sundays)
I will be leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am. On the 26th, we’re having a special service on gratitude. In December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus (Advent) with lots of Christmas Carols.

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An Awesome Summer

I hope you have had a wonderful summer! My summer has been awesome! Now, it’s full speed ahead into the fall with ministry at every corner. Valley Christian School has started, Gilroy Presbyterian Church has even more of my involvement, and Heartfelt Music will be taking on Mount Hermon’s Summer Concert Series for next summer (more information in the next eNewsletter).

Heartfelt Music is now registered with Pay Pal Giving Fund and is a Charity through eBay GivingWorks. When purchasing anything on eBay, if you list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a small donation. Every little bit helps. You can also donate through Pay Pal and now 100% goes to us. CLICK HERE to find out more. You can also donate when buying on Amazon.com by going through Amazon Smile.

Again, I want to express my appreciation for your generosity in contributions and prayers for Heartfelt Music Ministry. God is doing amazing things and continues to transform lives through us.

Back at Valley Christian Schools

It’s been a couple of weeks since Valley Christian Schools have started up for the fall. My classes are going well: Guitar I, Guitar II, Guitar III, HS Worship Team, JH Worship Team, and Music Technology. The Conservatory of the Arts began with a special alumni concert to kick-off the year.

Leading Worship in Gilroy

At Gilroy Presbyterian Church, I will be continuing this fall to lead Sunday worship and lead the choir. I have enjoyed working with this group so much, I will be ministering more long term with them as their Worship Director. This gives me weekly experience. If you’re in the area, come on by and say hi.

Sequoia Ropes Course

At Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, I did the Sequoia Ropes Course during Fun Day, August 19th. The Mount Hermon Community was invited to celebrate a day for the community to enjoy a BBQ lunch and many of the activities available at Mount Hermon.

Coming Events

September 3, 10, 17, 24 (Sundays)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

September 2, 3, 4 (Sat., Sun., & Mon.)
Playing and singing for Mount Hermon’s Labor Day Weekend Family Camp Pancake Breakfasts, 37 Conference Dr., Mount Hermon, CA 95041. From 7:45am to 8:30am, for Family Camp guests only.

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Summer Ministry

.I hope you are having a wonderful summer. It’s been such a blessing for me with a break from Valley Christian School. Sleeping in a little and spending extra time with family has been so refreshing. We didn’t have any huge trip for vacation, just day trips to Carmel and San Fransisco. I’m keeping in shape by doing Kick Boxing twice a week with Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy.

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I’ve also been working on Heartfelt Music, writing out my songs (fully transcribed through Sibelius music writing software), recording a new album, video recording a new training DVD in the Songs & Techniques series, which has the same songs as the new album. I’ve been playing music for Mount Hermon Family Camps’ Pancake Breakfast in the mornings and leading worship every Sunday at Gilroy Presbyterian Church.

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Heartfelt Music is now registered with Pay Pal Giving Fund and is a Charity through eBay GivingWorks. When purchasing anything on eBay, if you list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a small donation. Every little bit helps. You can also donate through Pay Pal and now 100% goes to us. CLICK HERE to find out more. You can also donate when buying on Amazon.com by going through Amazon Smile.

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Thank you so much for your prayers and support for Heartfelt Music Ministry and effectively leading others toward intimacy with God. Though this month has been somewhat of a break, August will include a full schedule of creating instructional materials, mentoring students, leading worship with various churches, and joining hands with other non-profit organizations to enliven God’s work in the Bay Area.

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July Events

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July 23 (Sun)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

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July 25, 27, 28 (Tue, Thu, Fri)
Playing and singing for Mount Hermon’s Family Camp 6 Pancake Breakfast, 37 Conference Dr., Mount Hermon, CA 95041. From 7:45am to 8:30am, for Family Camp guests only.

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July 30 (Sun)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

Gilroy Concert Sunday June 4

At Gilroy Presbyterian Church, Sunday, June 4, 6:30pm, I’ll be sharing new songs as well as favorites using loops and advanced guitar techniques. You will be encouraged through inspiring stories with beautiful guitar and vocal tapestry. This concert is free. The people of Gilroy Presbyterian Church are providing a free potluck dinner at 5:30pm. The concert will be at 6:30pm. I’ve enjoyed eight months of ministry with GPC and have thoroughly enjoyed leading the band and choir as well as working with the leadership. I will continue to lead worship for them on Sundays for another two months as they are searching for a permanent worship leader. You can download a flier for the concert HERE. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events

June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Sun)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

June 4 (Sun)
Giving a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The Concert begins at 6:30pm.

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God is doing a new thing!

Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.“Isaiah 43:18-19

What a message of hope! How healing and reassuring! Some people spend too much time dwelling on the past and not enough time looking ahead to what God is doing right now and in the future.  God says, “Don’t you see it? I’m doing something new for you! What I’m doing is giving you an amazing way through troubled times, a flourishing experience through the wastelands.” I’ve gone through some really tough times such as the death of my parents at a young age, physical infirmities, work challenges, and almost losing my home. But through it all, God has been so loving and merciful. He continues to take the worst situations and turn them into something good (Romans 8:28). Stay close to Him, don’t dwell on the past, and know that He is making all things new – “The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17b).

The Scoop with Reggie & Heartfelt Music

This month has been very full and very fulfilling too! Last weekend on Saturday, I hosted the first fundraising lunch for Child Evangelism Fellowship Northern California Silicon Valley. A significantly productive ministry reaching 20 million children a year in 200 countries. Then on Sunday, I taught group guitar lessons at River of Life Christian Church in Santa Clara. This Sunday, I’ll be leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church at 10:00am. I’m wrapping up the year at Valley Christian School this month and Graduation for the students is Saturday, May 27 (see below). I’m also wrapping up my private lessons before summer with a Recital in Los Altos at Bridges Community Church Monday, May 22, at 7:00pm. I hope you can join me for my summer concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 4, 6:30pm (see below). You can even join us for dinner at 5:30pm before the concert. Help get the word out by downloading the Gilroy Concert Flier and sharing with others.

Pro Tools & Sibelius User Certification

This June, you can become an Avid Certified User in Pro Tools or Sibelius though the week long courses at VCS. Pro Tools was made by engineers out of a need to replicate fancy studio equipment in software form, Pro Tools has revolutionized the modern day studio, not only making the music production process more simple, but also at the cost of pocket change compared to what it would previously cost to get a decent recording! Producers and Engineers record and mix with it. Songwriters and Composers create with it. It is an environment in which you make magic happen!

End of the Year with Valley Christian Schools

VCS is wrapping up the school year this month (May 27) and it has been a fantastic experience! Teaching guitar, worship leading, and music technology is both challenging and fulfilling. There are over 40 guitarists in my classes with Intro to Guitar & Bass, Guitar 2, and Guitar 3. The guitar 2 & 3 classes went busking (street performing) in downtown Santa Cruz last week. The picture above is from last Wednesday’s high school chapel. The Worship Teams have been doing a great job! The most challenging has been the new Music Technology course since it’s more advanced than before. Pray we finish strong!

Get Pro Tools or Sibelius User Certification

Would you like to get better at recording music or writing music? Valley Christian Schools, as an Avid Learning Partner, is offering training to become an Avid Certified User in either Pro Tools or Sibelius. I am an Avid Certified Instructor and will be teaching both courses. The Sibelius User Certification Course will be the week of Tuesday, May 30, through Friday, June 2, 9:00am-5:00am daily. The Pro Tools User Certification Course will be the week of Monday, June 5, through Friday, June 9, 9:00am-5:00pm daily. Both courses are intensive and will give you the professional edge to rise above the competition.

Gilroy Concert Sunday June 4

At Gilroy Presbyterian Church, Sunday, June 4, 6:30pm, I’ll be sharing new songs as well as favorites using loops and advanced guitar techniques. You will be encouraged through inspiring stories with beautiful guitar and vocal tapestry. This concert is free. The people of Gilroy Presbyterian Church are providing a free dinner at 5:30pm. The concert will be at 6:30pm. I’ve enjoyed eight months of ministry with GPC and have thoroughly enjoyed leading the band and choir as well as working with the leadership. This concert will be a culmination of enriched ministry with these beautiful people. Come join us!

Coming Events

May 14 (Sun)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

May 28 (Sun)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

May 30-June 2 (Tue-Fri)
Sibelius Certified User training at Valley Christian Schools, 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA, 95111. 9-5 Daily.

June 4 (Sun)
Giving a concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The Concert begins at 6:30pm.

June 5-9 (Mon-Fri)
Pro Tools Certified User training at Valley Christian Schools, 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA, 95111. 9-5 Daily.

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