On Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. the Clearwater and Tampa Chapters of the American Guild of Organists will present a program of organ music, prayers, poetry, and hymns at St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church located at 1601 Curlew Road in Palm Harbor. This program is given in honor of those who have served and are currently serving our country in the armed forces. Three organists, Carl Gravander, Jack Rain (Organist, First Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg) and Thomas Ingui (Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland) will play stirring patriotic selections. Susan Spear (Interim Organist and Music Director, First Presbyterian Church, Dunedin) will read a poem she has composed for this occasion. The Reverend Peter A. Lane, Rector of St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church will lead the prayers and offer readings of poetry. All are invited to attend and celebrate those who so selflessly serve to defend our freedom. A reception will follow the program in the choir room.

Mark Hunter Organist
Melissa Hiteman guest soprano

Mark Hunter received his organ performance degrees from Indiana University and University of Kentucky as a student of Wilma Jensen and Larry Smith. After graduation he began his professional career as the first full time organist/choir director at First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin. From there he eventually accepted the position of Professor of Humanities at St. Petersburg College in 1988 where he remained for 35 years until retirement. More recently in 2018, he accepted the position as organist at St. Andrews Presbyterian which brought Mark back into the organ world and allowed him to rediscover his passion for its literature and liturgical setting.

Melissa Hiteman received her BM from Stetson University while studying with Dr. Karen Coker Merrit and her MM from University of South Florida while studying with Dr. Kyoung Cho. After graduation she began teaching music K-8 at Channelside academy in Tampa, Fl. She has sung with the Opera Tampa Chorus as well as the St. Petersburg Opera Chorus. This season she is the Mrs. Gleaton Cover for “Susannah” and will be performing in St. Pete Opera’s Broadway Cabaret.