Get to know Carey Cannon: HPUMC’s New Director of Music, Arts, and Traditional Worship

Growing up, were you always interested in music?

Yes! I grew up in a musical family. My mother was an alto and the pianist for our church, and my father sang bass in the choir. I began singing through the graded choir program of our church, and still have the perfect attendance pins!

What was the first instrument you learned to play?

I began piano at an early age and continued on throughout high school. And how many can you play? Two. Voice and Piano–but I would love to learn to pick the banjo!

Where did you go to college?

Furman University for a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

George Mason for a Master of Arts in Vocal Performance and Master of Arts in Choral Conducting.

And the University of North Carolina Greensboro for a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting.

If you were not in the music field, what would you want to do?

I feel so fortunate that my career is intertwined with my passion for music. However, if I wasn’t in the music field, given my communications degree, I had once considered broadcast journalism and voice-over opportunities.

Give us a timeline of your career.

From 2000–2004: The United States Army Chorus and National Cathedral Chorister Washington, D.C.

From 2004–2013: Minister of Music at Providence Baptist Church, Adjunct Professor at University of North Carolina Charlotte, Associate Conductor for the Charlotte Children’s Choir, and Founder and Director of the Carolina Men’s Chorus Charlotte, NC.

From 2013–2022: Minister of Music at South Main Baptist Church Houston, TX.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My wife, Janet, played volleyball at Davidson College and we met in Washington D.C. where she was working on Capitol Hill while I was serving in the Army Chorus. We are so grateful for our wonderful partnership of supporting each other’s passions, celebrating each other’s successes, and laughing together through it all. We will celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary this August.

Our children Caroline (15) and Duncan (13) were both born in Charlotte, NC. Caroline lights up any room she’s in and is following in her Mother’s volleyball footsteps. Duncan has the biggest heart, is an avid reader, and enjoys playing tennis and baseball. Our newest addition is our sweet 3-year-old Golden Retriever, Banks.

What is the most exciting trip you have ever taken?

During the Summer of 2017, I studied at the Choral Institute in Oxford. There I was able to work with renowned clinicians and the Williamson Voices of Westminster Choir College. Janet and the children came to enjoy the final performance at Oxford and then the South Main Baptist Church Choir to finish our experience with a choir tour of Scotland and Ireland.

Who would you consider to be your top three musical artists?

Voces 8 (vocally)

Yo-Yo Ma (both for instrumental and philanthropic reasons)

Jacob Collier (English musician who through virtual media and live concerts is known to play a myriad of instruments and is gifted with improvisation and reharmonization.)

What is your favorite instrument and why?

The Cello because of its warm and rich tone. I love how it can express beautifully through melodic lines as well as providing a foundation of harmonic structure in continuo or quartet pieces.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

I love to run and hike with my family. As far as “hidden” talents, I competed in the South Carolina state dance the ‘Shag,’ I know it sounds sketchy but it’s a really cool dance. I’m also a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

It’s quite hard to narrow down one piece of advice. What first comes to mind in this transition to HPUMC is from our own Rev. Matt Tuggle who referred me to the poem ‘Lead, Kindly Light’ by John Henry Newman which reads, ‘‘Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me.”

What motivates you every day?

The desire to always be growing and challenging myself, bringing joy to others’ lives, to love the people God has in my life excellently. I try to live out the verse Micah 6:8, “He has shown thee, oh man, what is good, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

What is your favorite hymn and why?

Two hymns: One for its text — ‘When in Our Music God is Glorified’ — Fred Pratt Green’s text personifies why I’m called to do what I do. The melodic line and lush harmonies of Holst’s Jupiter movement of The Planets are found in the hymn ‘O God Beyond All Praising’ and captivates me every time I hear it.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My late grandfather and namesake, Carey Moody. He passed away when I was still young. We favor each other a good bit and I just would love to hear of his faith, exchange family stories, and sing some old hymns together.

Why do you think music and the arts are so important in today’s society?

Today more than ever we are in need of experiences that draw us together. I firmly believe that music and art are mediums of expression that heal and bring people together. Through these gifts, we can express how we feel in ways words cannot. We can share in these expressions together and learn from one another our likenesses and our differences. Music and art have no age limit and span the test of time. They can be used as weapons of diplomacy and the vehicle through which we can share the good news of grace and love found in the Gospel.

What made you want to join the HPUMC family?

It is a church that carries a high standard of musical excellence in worship and is passionate about God’s Word and how it can be lived out in the world. I see HPUMC as a church that will welcome my family and the gifts God has given me in ministry with warmth and grace.

What are you most excited about in this role?

The opportunity to dream and discern how the music ministry can manifest the vision God has for HPUMC through the shared musical experiences with our Chancel Choir and congregation.

Describe the future you envision when it comes to traditional music at HPUMC.

I'm honored to be part of the rich musical history of HPUMC. I look forward to building upon this foundation through strengthening the congregation’s voice in song, engaging the next generation of music leaders, and empowering HPUMC as a bridge for collaborating with neighboring churches and arts organizations through worship and our Tower Arts Concert Series.

Anything else you would like to share with the congregation?

I am grateful for God’s call to serve HPUMC, and look forward to being a part of the wonderful work and life of this great congregation!