Among the faces you are likely to see at the cantors' stand at any
service is that of head cantor Reader John
Smith. Reader John was one
of the original seven chanters who served when the church first
started using chanting in the services. His devotion to the Church and
his unfailing good humor keep things running smoothly in what can be a
very challenging role.
The job of head cantor involves much more than directing the chanting
during services. It involves research ahead of time to determine which
hymns are to be sung at each service; coordinating the other chanters
to ensure that all services are covered; training new chanters; and
learning new music and teaching it to the other chanters. Rdr. John
has also directed the chanters in recording a CD which will soon be
released. On top of all that, he has his "day job" as a skilled
woodworker. And of course, he and his wife Susan keep busy at home
with three young daughters (the youngest two are twins). |
![[ Rdr. John Smith ]](../../images/staff/rdrjohn.jpg) |
Rdr. John also serves the church in its social activities as "the
sound guy." He provides, sets up, and runs the sound amplification
equipment for weddings, Christmas and Pascha banquets, fundraising
concerts, and other events involving entertainment. Rdr. John relates
that he fell into this job quite inadvertently. First he was asked to
take over renting the equipment after his brother Michael, who had
done this formerly, moved away. Then Dn. Lawrence Hulter, who had
actually been running the equipment, left John in charge during a
wedding because he had to go home and take care of his sick family.
John came through with flying colors and has been handling the job
faithfully and skillfully ever since!
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