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Curriculum Vitae: Music and Choral Directing, Robert Chrystal

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Education

Certificate of Piano Performance and Teaching, 1982-1991
Peabody Preparatory School of Music, Baltimore, MD

Master of Library and Information Science, 2010
Drexel University iSchool, Philadelphia, PA

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical (and Ancient) Literature, 1996
Northwest University, Kirkland, WA. Minor: Russian
Theological and worship ministry degree

Principal Teachers and Mentors

James Warthen - Peabody (piano and music theory)
Kyle Rasmussen - Cedar Park Church (Worship Leading and Choral)
Twila Paris - Composer and Performer
Brian Doerksen - Composer and Performer

Musical, Choral Directing, and Composing Qualifications

  • Dedicated and accomplished music director/performance songwriter with a solid academic background in Music and Worship Ministry
  • Long history of music and ministry volunteer work
  • Nine-year international music and worship ministry                                                                                                                                 
    • Five years served as a missionary
    • Four years served as a humanitarian and musical worship coordinator (2001-2004)
    • Conducted seminars on music, musicianship and worship leading
  • Performance expertise as a                                                                                                                                 
    • performance songwriter
    • choir/worship team member
    • worship leader from 1991-2011
  • Four-year history of online composing, recording, and performing
    • see published works and samples below
    • samples of my compositions may be found at IAPETUS MUSIC in April, 2011

Professional Music and Choral Directing Experience

Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore, MD (2006-present)
Director of Contemporary Music (Connections Choir and Faith@Five Contemporary Liturgy)

  1. Direct a growing choir of singers and instrumentalists to create a weekly varied and inspirational music experience.
  2. Arrange and lead Saturday musical worship, perform, direct and accompany singers on piano and keyboards.
  3. Arrange and lead music for the combined choirs once per month on Sunday.
  4. Compose, arrange and perform original works in all services.
  5. Plan, visualize and create/expand the contemporary music ministry.
  6. Give seminars on vocal styling, harmonizing and contemporary Christian music history
  7. Arrange and orchestra musical repertoire and implement the Connections Choir Musical Library.
  8. Program and provide a musical multimedia experience for attendees.
  9. Editor and Librarian for the Connections Choir YouTube Music Video Library.

Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore, MD (2005-2008)
Piano Accompanist for Theater Productions

  1. 2008 - "The Pajama Game"
  2. 2007 - "Grease"
  3. 2006 - "The Wizard of Oz"

Chris Jones, baritone, Washington, DC (2006-present)
Composer and Musical Manager for this opera, contemporary art song, and music theater singer

  1. Designed the website, http://www.chrisjonesbaritone.com
  2. Arrange and accompany Chris Jones in live and video performances
  3. Managing live performance and marketing aspect as well as online marketing

Russian Assoc. of Churches, Southern Russia (1996-2003)
Regional Worship and Music Director, Seminar Lecturer, Street Performer

  1. Served the musical needs of over twelve churches.
  2. Created a worship leading seminar for missionary churches and new music director interns.
  3. Organized regional worship gatherings for worship teams, including teaching and concerts.
  4. Performed musical skits and special songs (in English & Russian) in city market places.

Supporting Churches, United States (1996-2004)
Itinerant Music Director and Composer/Performer

  1. Visited churches for humanitarian fund raising while on furlough and performed my own music.
  2. Taught on the subject of music and worship at over 25 churches in Maryland, Texas, Washington, and New York.
  3. Composed spiritual and inspirational music, recorded albums and seminars while traveling.

Cedar Park Church, Seattle, WA (1994-1996)
Music Team Vocalist, Pianist, Choir Member and Worship Leader

  1. Interned as a worship leader and director under choral director and composer Kyle Rasmussen.
  2. Worship Leader at the "Roaring 20's" Ministry.
  3. Led worship team and directed instrumentalists. Arranged music for services.
  4. Introduced new styles of worship using Vineyard Music and Hillsongs Music repertoire to this church.
  5. Introduced new methods of arranging traditional hymns for use in a contemporary worship setting.

Northwest University, Seattle, WA (1994-1995)
Chapel Service Accompanist and Rotational Music Director

Seattle City Church, Seattle, WA (1994-1995)
Organist and Worship Leader

  1. Played a repertoire of Urban Gospel, Spirituals, and contemporary worship.
  2. Used Hammond B-3 organ and led a small gospel worship team.

Distinguished Gentlemen, Seattle, WA (1992-1995)
Traveling R&B Band Director and Performance Songwriter

  1. Founded and co-managed band.
  2. Performed at venues in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, California, Hawaii, Montana, Idaho, & Ohio.
  3. Directed Music at large multi-church gatherings in Seattle/Tacoma region.
  4. Arranged and performed music and the National Anthem at two sporting events at the Tacoma Thunderdome.
  5. Taught three band members the principles of harmonizing and music theory.
  6. Composed, wrote lyrics, arranged, and sequenced our own spiritual music and art songs.

Carney Church, Baltimore, MD (1986-1991)
Pianist, Music Director, Assistant Organist

  1. 1988-1991 - Youth Group Music Director
  2. 1986-1991 - Accompanied music director, soloists, and played special music.
  3. Introduced contemporary worship utilizing Maranatha Music and Integrity Hosanna Music repertoire.
  4. Introduced new methods of arranging traditional hymns for use in a contemporary worship setting.

Woodlawn High School Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers, Baltimore, MD (1986-1991)
Piano Accompanist

Published Musical Compositions and Video Performances

  1. July, 2010 - Performed at the Drew Nussbaum Gallery Opening at the Newseum (also appeared in Washington Life Magazine)
  2. Robert Chrystal's YouTube Channel (including videos of the Connections Choir under his direction)
  3. Robert Chrystal Accompanying Chris Jones on Piano
  4. Samples of Robert's musical compositions may be found on the IAPETUS MUSIC website in April, 2011.

Other Interests

Avid Reader and Life-Long Learner

History, historical fiction, communication, computer and internet related books, world religions, spirituality, linguistics, health, psychology, self-help, children's books, horror and mystery, cooking and home organization, classical fiction.

Health and Human Services

Humanitarian work, compassion, helping others, family and friends, and learning about latest medical advances and alternative treatments.

Internet and Web Design Languages

Learning computer languages (XHTML, CSS, PHP, and XML), social networking and book marking, website design, content management systems, online foreign language courses, and Wii.

Culture and Music

Opera, classical music, pop and jazz, alternative rock, coffee cafes, tea, wine and food pairing, NPR junkie, and learning about other cultures and travel.

Movie and DVD

Documentaries, National Geographic specials, Frontline, Nova, History Channel series, independent film, classic children’s animated series, Disney and Pixar animation, political and psychological thrillers.

References

Available upon request.

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