Samuel Gray
Minster of Music / Organist
Samuel Gray, M.M., is Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg and a Ph.D. Candidate in Music Education at the University of Maryland. A church musician, educator, conductor, and scholar, his work bridges sacred music, community engagement, and music education. He holds a Master of Music in Music Education from Colorado State University and graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin–Superior. In 2021, he received the Golden Feather Award (Teacher of the Year) from Duluth Edison Charter Schools in Duluth, Minnesota. He has studied organ with Dr. Norma Stevlingson, the first American student of Marie-Claire Alain, and Dr. Joel Bacon, a student of Joyce Jones.
At First Presbyterian Church, Samuel oversees a comprehensive music ministry that includes choral, handbell, wind, children's, and youth ensembles. His ministry emphasizes meaningful worship, artistic excellence, congregational participation, and community engagement through music. Prior to his appointment in Greensburg, he served as Director of Music and Organist at Potomac Presbyterian Church in Potomac, Maryland, where he expanded the church's music ministry, developed community concert initiatives, and helped guide significant enhancements to the church's musical resources.
A passionate advocate for community-based music making, Samuel is the founder and leader of multiple Beer Choir chapters, including DMV Beer Choir. He believes music serves as a powerful vehicle for connection, belonging, and shared expression across diverse communities.
His research explores inclusive practices, preservice teacher development, disability studies in music education, and the sociological impact of ensemble participation. Samuel has presented at regional and national conferences, including AERA, NAfME, SMTE, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and continues to advocate for accessibility, equity, and inclusion in music learning environments.
As a conductor, organist, and educator, Samuel is dedicated to helping ensembles and congregations engage more fully in music's capacity to inspire, connect, and transform. He was featured in an interview with concert organist Carol Williams as part of her On the Bench series.
Samuel and his fiancée, Amy Birdseye, are excited for this new chapter of life and ministry. While Samuel recently relocated to Greensburg, Amy has deep roots in Western Pennsylvania and has been part of the Greensburg community for more than a decade. Together, they enjoy exploring the region, spending time with family and friends, and caring for their two Chihuahuas, Riley and Josie.
Minster of Music / Organist
Samuel Gray, M.M., is Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg and a Ph.D. Candidate in Music Education at the University of Maryland. A church musician, educator, conductor, and scholar, his work bridges sacred music, community engagement, and music education. He holds a Master of Music in Music Education from Colorado State University and graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin–Superior. In 2021, he received the Golden Feather Award (Teacher of the Year) from Duluth Edison Charter Schools in Duluth, Minnesota. He has studied organ with Dr. Norma Stevlingson, the first American student of Marie-Claire Alain, and Dr. Joel Bacon, a student of Joyce Jones.
At First Presbyterian Church, Samuel oversees a comprehensive music ministry that includes choral, handbell, wind, children's, and youth ensembles. His ministry emphasizes meaningful worship, artistic excellence, congregational participation, and community engagement through music. Prior to his appointment in Greensburg, he served as Director of Music and Organist at Potomac Presbyterian Church in Potomac, Maryland, where he expanded the church's music ministry, developed community concert initiatives, and helped guide significant enhancements to the church's musical resources.
A passionate advocate for community-based music making, Samuel is the founder and leader of multiple Beer Choir chapters, including DMV Beer Choir. He believes music serves as a powerful vehicle for connection, belonging, and shared expression across diverse communities.
His research explores inclusive practices, preservice teacher development, disability studies in music education, and the sociological impact of ensemble participation. Samuel has presented at regional and national conferences, including AERA, NAfME, SMTE, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and continues to advocate for accessibility, equity, and inclusion in music learning environments.
As a conductor, organist, and educator, Samuel is dedicated to helping ensembles and congregations engage more fully in music's capacity to inspire, connect, and transform. He was featured in an interview with concert organist Carol Williams as part of her On the Bench series.
Samuel and his fiancée, Amy Birdseye, are excited for this new chapter of life and ministry. While Samuel recently relocated to Greensburg, Amy has deep roots in Western Pennsylvania and has been part of the Greensburg community for more than a decade. Together, they enjoy exploring the region, spending time with family and friends, and caring for their two Chihuahuas, Riley and Josie.
