Someone You Should Know: Richard Clemmitt

Richard Clemmitt

My wife, Elizabeth, and I moved to the North Shore in 1992. Since then, I have been the Organist & Choirmaster of Christ Church in Winnetka.

I served on our North Shore AGO board for five years from 2017-22, including four years as Sub-Dean.

Although Elizabeth and I came to Chicago primarily for my job at Christ Church, we also were drawn by the thriving arts community and great schools. Elizabeth has worked for many years as an elementary and preschool music teacher. Both of us are grateful to have raised our two sons in such a vibrant and creative place.

From a young age I was inspired by the music at my home church in Washington, D.C. The instruction I have received over the years from talented teachers has inspired me to work not only toward performance excellence but also toward supporting the personal formation of my students. I find my job at Christ Church especially fulfilling because of the opportunity it offers me to build Christian community through music-making.

Many of the youth choristers I teach begin singing in church choir in first grade and continue through twelfth grade. Some return to sing on holidays after graduation. I enjoy creating a participatory place of music-making where organ music, choral music, and worship are the key elements.

I am grateful to our chapter for the many terrific AGO events I have attended throughout the years. I especially look forward to our regional convention this summer!

Learn more at: https://www.richardclemmitt.com/

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