Mary McKay-Director of Sanctuary Music and Worship

• Directs- Chancel Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Orchestra
• Supervises- the Music and Sanctuary Worship staff

Mary McKay began her music ministry part-time at UUMC in the early 80’s.  She returned to the church full time in 1999. This year she celebrates her 20th year as Director of Music  at University.  Ms. McKay came to serve after completing her Master’s degree in Music at UTSA and 15 years of teaching experience.  The final ten years were at MacArthur High School here in San Antonio.  Ms. McKay is married to Ben Hall and has two daughters. Christina Mank and Catherine Martin who have both followed in their mother’s footsteps; Christina with an education career in Northside ISD, while Catherine has been hired to sing with the Houston Grand Opera.  The joy of Ms. McKay’s life is her granddaughter, Riley.  Her passion is serving the Lord through the ministry of music at this church, and the great love she has for her volunteers.

Karen Andrews-Sanctuary Music Coordinator

• Directs-Joy Singers, Kingdom, Majesty
• Supervises- Children’s and Youth Music, Music Library, Arts Center

Karen Andrews joined the Music Staff of University in August of 2001, but has been a member of this church family since 1983, when her family moved to Texas.  Karen received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Texas State University, followed by three wonderful years living and working in Chicago before returning home to the place God meant for her to be. The best part of her job is teaching the love and message of Christ through music; especially to children and youth. Karen is married to Kyle, a high school theatre teacher. They are constantly blessed by their precocious daughter, Kaithe, age 6.

John Tidmore-Assistant Director of Music, Organist

• Administrates-Concert Series
• Accompanies- Adult Choirs, Orchestra, Sanctuary Worship, Weddings, Funerals

John Tidmore is fairly new to University  He comes to us after completing his Master’s degree in organ performance and sacred music at the University of Texas in Austin as a student of Gerre and Judith Hancock.  John completed his undergraduate studies at Baylor University, studying under Joyce Jones. His musical interests are quite varied and include improvisation, organ and choral music in the English Cathedral tradition, French Romanticism, music in the liturgy,  and worship in the Reformed, Free Church, and Wesleyan traditions.  John has a particular affinity for exploring blended worship from different faith traditions, but with strong biblical foundations.  When he’s not playing the organ, John enjoys hunting, fishing, and watching Fox News.

Teresa Gray-Children’s Choir Coordinator

Directs-Praise Singers

• Supervises-all volunteers for Children’s Choir programs

A native of Virginia, Teresa attended Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music, where she received a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy with a concentration in voice. Since moving to Texas in 1983, she has directed children’s choirs at churches in Lufkin, Odessa, and San Antonio and recently completed her 26th year of directing a children’s choir. Teresa joined the University staff in 2001 and has grown the children’s choir program into a vibrant and meaningful ministry. Her greatest joy is making music and worship come alive to children by making it relevant, accessible and fun!  Teresa shares her home with her husband of 21 years, Rick, their 11 year old daughter, Olivia, and two adorable and rambunctious Bichon Frises, Harley and Freda.

Linda Smith-Director of Sr. Adult Ministries/Volunteer Director of Handbells

Directs- Son Shine Chimes, Cross and Flame Ringers, Bells of Exaltation, Agape Ringers, Lois-Fritze Handbell Choir, Primer Chimers , Silver Bucket Singers

• Supervises- volunteer director for Jubilee Bells

Linda Smith is a Deacon in the United Methodist Church, meaning her role is to serve.  Linda has been on the University staff for 23+ years, working in many areas as the church has grown and needs have changed. Currently as Director of Sr. Adult Ministries, she helps older adults carry on a program that emphasizes fellowship, service and healthy living.   She also coordinates University’s active Handbell Ministry, which includes seven ensembles. Linda has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Florida Southern College, and a Master of Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in additionto her Theological studies at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Linda is married to Art Smith and they have two grown children.

Jenney Munguia-Arts Center Administrator

• Supervises- All Arts Center Instructors

Jenney Munguia is the administrative backbone of University’s Arts Center. Jenney has been on the music staff since September of 2008 but has been a member of University since 1980. Her educational background is in Architecture from Texas A&M, and she will finish her Allied ASID Interior Design June of 2010.  She married Mark in 2000 and has been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom to Cali, age 5,  and Luke, who turns 4 in November. Jenney has a great love for this church and the people in it.

Irene Morris-Administrative Assistant to Mary McKay

Irene has been a volunteer in the Music Ministry since 2001, singing with the Chancel Choir, Sanctuary Choir, and accompanying various ensembles.  She joined the Music Staff as Administrative Assistant in 2005 and also teaches piano through the University’s Arts Center.  Irene has 3 wonderful children, 4 outstanding grandsons, and a sweetheart of a pit-bull named “Bijou”. Irene is the backbone of administrative support who makes our ministry possible by taking care of the needs of 8 staff members and 400+volunteers.

Karen Pressler- Music Librarian

Karen Pressler  was born and raised in Michigan, moved to Texas in 1960 and was a Business major at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Karen has three grown children she raised in Houston. In 1988 she and her husband Sonny moved to San Antonio and joined University in 1990, at which time she was a volunteer in the Music Ministry. Later she was hired and serves as the Music Librarian to this day. As Music Librarian, she is responsible for organizing the folders of nearly 200 youth and adult choir and orchestra members each week, preparing folders for new members, keeping the music database of over 1500 entries current with resource material, as well as new music. Karen does all this gladly and with a true servant’s heart. She feels that it is truly a blessing to be part of such a dynamic ministry, with so many extremely talented people all dedicated the Glory of God.