Aldersgate Methodist Church in Jackson, Tennessee is extremely proud to announce that Esther Gray has joined its church staff as Music Director.
Esther is well-known to the Jackson community for her vast musical talents, successful career as an educator, and outstanding local leadership. Her first Sunday leading the church’s music program will be May 21.
Esther is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music in Voice Performance and Austin Peay State University. She is the Associate Professor of Music at Jackson State Community College and Conductor of the Innovation Vocal Ensemble, performing over twenty concerts a year throughout Tennessee and beyond. She is also the conductor of the Jackson Symphony Youth Choir in Jackson, Tennessee.
Esther received a Sterling Award as one of the “Twenty Most Influential Women in West Tennessee.”
Esther was given an “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” award by the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. As an active recitalist and performer of contemporary classical musical, she has been a featured soloist with Luna Nova Music of Memphis.
In musical theatre, she was seen locally in Memphis with Belvedere Chamber Music Festival and Playhouse on the Square as Franca in the Regional Premiere of The Light in the Piazza, for which she was nominated for the Ostrander Award for “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical.”
Esther has been seen with the Lyric Opera of San Diego, and locally with the Jackson Symphony, Jackson Theatre Guild, and the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center, where she has served as musical director. Esther is also a yoga teacher (ERYT 500), holding the highest certification recognized nationally, with over 1,800 hours of training, and 20 years of teaching experience.
Esther will be seen this fall as Soprano soloist for the Jackson Symphony’s “Mozart’s Requiem,” as well as the Holiday Pops concert 2023. However, her first job was as a church pianist during her high school years, and she has continued to be heavily active in church music throughout her career.
Esther is excited to begin this new journey with Aldersgate Methodist Church along with her husband, Matt Brown, and daughter, Sophia.
Aldersgate Methodist Church is located at 1050 North Parkway, Jackson TN 38305. To learn more about Aldersgate and its ministries, you may call (731) 427-4887 or visit the church website at www.aldersgatejackson.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AldersgateMethodistJackson.
(PHOTO: Esther Gray)
