Welcome Dr. David N. Childs, new Director of Choral Music

by Dr. Bradley Hunter Welch
Director of Music & Arts/Organist

I am thrilled to announce and welcome Dr. David N. Childs as HPUMC’s new Director of Choral Music. Childs is a native of New Zealand, and comes to us from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he has been Associate Professor of Choral Studies for the past ten years.  An internationally renowned composer and conductor, he has served in Anglican, Episcopal, and Methodist churches. Childs is married to Dr. Lesley French Childs, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, & throat doctor) who is additionally an accomplished soprano.

My search for someone with top-notch musical artistry as a choral trainer/conductor, a strong sense of engaging the congregation through music in worship, and a desire to serve God in this community yielded some of the finest musicians in the field.  From these, David Childs rose to the top. I am excited for him to join the music staff as a colleague, and I look forward to the great work he will do leading our Chancel Choir in excellence and in service of God.  Please join me in welcoming Dr. Childs!