Emily Bielinski ’12 did not set out on a mission to reintegrate the organ into worship music, but that’s precisely what she does every Sunday at Old St. Joseph Church. The results, according to music ministry coordinator Jennifer McAllister ’94, are beautiful.
Since then, she’s not only found other students and professors who share her enthusiasm, but also works toward cultivating the same love for organ music in those around her. The music ministry at Old St. Joseph Church provides a weekly outlet for her to do just that.
Bielinski certainly seizes the opportunity to incorporate the organ into Mass.
Bielinski’s weekly organ lessons with Jeff Verkuilen (Music) give her the basis she needs to play well each Sunday.
“Emily’s skills and confidence have improved considerably as a leader and accompanist of congregation and solo singing,” says Verkuilen.
When Bielinski holds her senior recital on Nov. 11 at St. Norbert Abbey, she will demonstrate not only her technical ability but also her training in leading congregational music, as she directs the audience in a hymn.