Derrick Byars

Director of Music Ministry

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Derrick (they/them) is an accomplished music director, conductor, and composer who has been steeped in the life of the church since childhood. Derrick served as the Director of Music and Arts at Park Avenue United Methodist Church until 2022, overseeing choral programs, worship music, and arts initiatives there. Most recently, they have been honing their skills as a theatrical producer, working at the Manhattan School of Music, the Ensemble Studio Theater, and the Apollo Theater. In both worlds–church ministry and theater–Derrick is committed to “music as a vehicle for storytelling, connection, and artistic excellence.”
 
Derrick is a talented organist and pianist, but we most appreciated the easy way that they communicated and collaborated throughout the audition and interview process. During auditions with our choir, they were able to tease out interesting shades of vocal color and readily welcomed the participation of amateur instrumentalists. They are thoughtful about how music binds communities together, striking just the right balance of traditional hymn singing with broadening repertoire to find new favorite songs. And, finally, we’re excited by their creative vision and their belief that West End can become even more of an arts destination here on the Upper West Side, particularly through offering consistently high-quality music and crafting outreach initiatives like community and youth programs.