Mark Gottesfeld has been the Music Director and Organist at St. John's Ridge Valley for over nine years. He started substituting at St. John's when he was only fourteen-years old.

Mark first studied piano and organ under the direction of Martha Fisher, the Music Director and Organist at St. John's Evangelical Church in Quakertown. It was Martha Fisher that has served as his musical mentor throughout the years, teaching him every facet of being a church musician as well as fostering his deep love and appreciation for classical music and music history. Mark also studied organ with Lou Carol Fix and Timothy Harrell and piano with acclaimed pianist Eugene Albuleschu.

Mark graduated from Lehigh University in 2006 studying Music History and Psychology and went on to receive his law degree from Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law in 2009. He currently works at a law firm in Center City Philadelphia.

During his time at St. Johns, Mark has been responsible for organizing musical concerts before the Christmas Eve services. These concerts have become quite popular, running nearly an hour in length, with the contributions of many talented musicians within the church. In addition to directing the Senior Choir at the traditional service, Mark also leads the Praise Band at the Informal Service. In 2009, Mark instituted a summer series wherein he performed classical piano repertoire by different classical composers each week as well as giving a lecture that discussed the composer and the music. Also, in 2007, Mark performed in an organ recital along with two other guest organists to celebrate the rededication of St. Johns pipe organ. In addition to leading music at weekly services, Mark plays for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. Please contact Mark by emailing to: stjohnsmusicdirector@verizon.net

SENIOR CHOIR

Our Adult Choir enjoys a range of ages and voices, and is directed by our music director, Mark Gottesfeld. The choir leads the congregation in singing hymns, Psalms, and liturgical responses during traditional worship. The choir also offers special anthem music during the service. The primary instruments used with the choir are the pipe organ and piano, although sometimes the praise band accompanies the choir's anthems. The choir meets to practice every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm from September through June. Please consider joining the choir for the opportunity to worship God through the gift of music. For more information, please contact Mark Gottesfeld.

To view a pdf of the program booklet for our 2007 Organ Dedication Concert after major renovation work on the organ was completed.

PRAISE BAND

Our Praise Band is made up of a variety of instruments and voices, including percussion, guitar, keyboard, violin, and vocals. The Praise Band leads the congregation in singing hymns and liturgical responses during informal worship. The band also offers special music during the offering, communion, preludes and postludes. The band has a varied practice schedule, so it is best to contact our music director, Mark Gottesfeld for details. All instruments and voices are welcome to join.