A Royal Honor

Garmon Ashby Named Fellow of RSCM

"I love creating inspiring music that helps people deepen their connections with God via the human voice," says Performing Arts Chair Garmon Ashby.

Ashby, who directs music for Chapel and EHS Onstage and conducts the Chorale and Midnight Blues, was recently named one of six new international Fellows by The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). The fellowship recognizes Ashby's three decades of "outstanding contributions to church music and/or liturgy at an international level," and is the highest honor bestowed by the RCSM.

Ashby grew up in South Africa, where his father was an Anglican priest. He recalls that some of his earliest memories include feeling "completely enthralled" by the music at Evensong. In his middle school years at St. Andrew's Prep School in East Cape, he met teacher and mentor, Jill Westcott, who motivated him to join the choir. Besides singing, Ashby learned to play the organ, and with Westcott's encouragement, he decided to pursue music as a career. While serving compulsory duty in the South African Army, Ashby directed music for daily ceremonies such as flag raising and chapel. He also worked with underprivileged students and choirs, and during Apartheid he witnessed the power that music provides to help change communities and heal differences. After completing his required military service, Ashby worked with Anglican churches, schools, and summer programs. In the United States, he has directed music for the Yale University Chapel, Episcopal churches in Arizona and Texas, and has served at Episcopal High School for the past six years.

"My passion is bringing others to a love for church music," explains Ashby. "This is my life's work--this is my vocation," he says. The Episcopal community is blessed to be able to share in the expression of Ashby's dedication, talent, and expertise each morning in Benitez Chapel.

--CCF