RICH MESSENGER “I am so pleased to have found such a musical and spiritual home here at
RICH MESSENGER St. Mark!”—Rich Messenger, Director of Music
BACKGROUND: Rich joined the St. Mark staff as Director of Music
in 2000, bringing an impressive musical background with him. He
played piano and sang in church choirs as a young boy growing up in
Iowa. After graduating from Hastings College in Nebraska, he taught
high school and community college, along with pursuing some
graduate work at University of Iowa. He moved to California in 1976
to continue his graduate studies with the acclaimed educator, author
and conductor, Howard Swan, at Cal State Fullerton. He served as a
choir director at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Costa Mesa
for 10 years--followed by 14 years of teaching and professional work
with Pacific Chorale—and 33 years as Choral Music Director of Irvine High School. Oh, and he
also taught at Cal State Long Beach and Vanguard University in Costa Mesa!
His Irvine High School Choir received many honors and performed in the United States and
also in Berlin. In 1999 and 2000, the choir received a GRAMMY award designation as a
“Signature School” recognizing it as one of the top music programs in the United States.
Rich received the Teacher of the Year award at Irvine High School several times.
Other honors include the Award of Excellence from the Far Western District of the Barbershop
Harmony Society, the John Alexander Outstanding Choral Educator Award from the Pacific
Chorale, and Outstanding Music Educator by the California Music Educators Association. In
2013, he received the Howard Swan Award from the California chapter of the American Choral
Directors Association “in recognition of inspirational service to the art of choral conducting.” He
serves on the interim board of directors for the new Southeastern Section of the California
Music Educators Association, and recently joined the board of directors for the California Arts
Initiative, a new professional chamber choir performing 21st century choral literature.
DUTIES: He directs the Chancel Choir, chooses special music for each Sunday service,
arranges for soloists and other special music, oversees our handbell choirs, coordinates with
performing groups that use the church, and manages the music library and instruments.
FAMILY: Rich still considers himself an Iowan, although he has lived in California for 38 years!
His parents, Dale and Donna, remain in their own home in Ames, and his three younger
brothers live in Iowa and Illinois --- and they’re all grandparents! His family tolerates the fact
that he lives on the “Left Coast” and votes for the “wrong” political party. He grew up with dogs
as pets, but as a divorced, very busy teacher who is seldom home, he now lives with his 17year-old Tabby cat who puts up with his frequent absences.
May his music continue to weave the magic threads that spark dreams, and the joy, love and
peace that tie us all together as a family. We’re glad that you’re here, Rich!!