Our Director – Mr. Richard Morgan
Richard Morgan was appointed Director of Chorus of Communities during the summer of 2011. A native of Iowa, he holds an undergraduate degree in Church Music from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and a Master of Music degree from Yale University in New Haven, Conn. As a young student he won first prize in numerous organ competitions and studied with several prominent organists, including André Marchal in Paris.
Since moving to New Jersey in 1978 he has served in several prestigious parish churches as Director of Music and Organist. Most notably he served for 25 years at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. During his tenure at St. Peter’s, he conducted a Choir of Men and Boys and two Parish Choirs of Men and Women, as well as assisting in the direction of The Girls Choir. The Men and Boys Choir, under his direction, toured England, Ireland and Canada on 4 separate tours, singing in residence at such Cathedrals as Norwich, Bristol, Salisbury and Canterbury. The Parish Choir of Men and Women drew attention for performances of great choral works such as Bach’s b minor Mass, Brahms’ Requiem and works of Benjamin Britten.
Most recently, Mr. Morgan has served as Director of Music at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Upper Montclair where he worked to develop a Treble Choir, a 3 octave Hand Bell Choir and a Concert Series called “Sundays at Three.” The Choir of Men and Women grew to perform works such as Vaughan Williams “Five Mystical Songs” and “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” as well as developing a serious repertoire of Anglican Music, sung weekly at Sunday services.
Mr. Morgan is newly employed at St. John on the Mountain in Bernardsville where he conducts the Choir of Men and Women of 30 members and is developing a Hand Bell Choir and children’s program. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists, The Royal School of Church Music and remains an active recitalist and vocal coach.
Just some of our Members
Dorothy Cielo - Committee Chairperson
Selina Law
