Make a joyful noise!
“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” – Psalm 95
Musicians and worship leaders at PEACE Lutheran Church work together to select music that advances the worship theme each Sunday. They seek the highest-quality music and excellence in its performance, with the goal of enhancing the worship experience for everyone. (We also just plain love music – it’s very Lutheran!)
Our music staff
Walt Strony, organist – PEACE people enjoy the world-class performance of internationally renowned organist Walt Strony. Walt plays organ and piano for our Sunday morning worship services and other events. You’ll find his rendition of favorite hymns to be rousing and uplifting. Walt also is a sought-after expert on Allen organs. He literally “wrote the book” on playing theater organs to accompany silent film, and he’s known for developing a unique style for the genre. And, Walt tours the world giving organ concerts. Learn more about Walt Strony.
Anne Vaaler, choir director and music leader – Anne blesses our music during our worship service. Anne trained for opera, and her voice fills our sanctuary! She also is a choral teacher in our schools in western Nevada County. Anne has directed musical stage productions in Grass Valley and Auburn; and she also is director of the Colla Voce Youth Chorus, drawing children of all ages from Nevada and Placer counties. To learn more about the PEACE Choir, click here.
Marge Shasberger, Bells of Peace director – Marge Shasberger began playing her viola in 3rd grade, continuing to play and sing all through school. She went on to earn a B.A. in Music. Teaching music at a private school and playing Bells, directing children’s choirs and singing at church was an on-going endeavor. After retiring from work in public schools, Marge volunteered at Music in the Mountains (MIM) before being hired on staff as the Education Programs Manager. She manages the MIM Youth Orchestra and the many education activities that MIM is involved in. Marge has led the Bells of Peace for many years, returning to that position after the COVID shut-down period. Bells are such a wonderful way to be part of the worship service and involve people in Making a Joyful Noise!
Special Music
Guest instrumentalists often play before, during and after worship services. We have many talented congregation members who share their gifts on violin, trumpet, French horn, clarinet, flute, oboe and even saxophone. Sometimes, a local string quartet performs.
Interested in being a guest instrumentalist? We always love to hear from musicians interested in playing during our worship services. PEACE is a great audience for all kinds of musicians, ranging from youth seeking performance experience to mature musicians who no longer playing professionally. Please contact the church office at (530) 273-9631.
Paul Perry
PEACE was blessed to have the gift of the late Paul Perry, who played organ and piano here for more than 20 years. Paul was the founder of the premier Nevada City-based orchestral group, Music in the Mountains. Paul’s command of our magnificent organ during the 11 a.m. service helped us all to feel the power of the Holy Spirit! Paul also played piano during the 8:45 a.m. service. To read more about Paul Perry, click here.