Music Ministry

Madison Presbyterian Church’s Music Ministry is meant to spread joy! We are blessed with talented and dedicated staff and members, and there is always room for more!

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is an integral part of our weekly worship service, singing each week’s anthem and leading the congregation in hymns. Rehearsal during the school year is at 7 pm each Wednesday. During the summer, rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings prior to worship. All are welcome to join, at any time!

Handbell Choir

The Madison Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir rings approximately once a month in worship service. Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons during the school year from 4 - 5:30 pm. The Handbell Choir rings five octaves of Malmark bells and chimes and is open to adults and high school students who can read music. No prior handbell experience is required.

Children

Music is a regular part of our Children’s Ministries! Our children perform several times throughout the year, including special anthems on Palm Sunday, a dedicated Children’s Service, the Christmas Pageant, and more.

Music Ministry Staff:

 
 
 

Karisa Seymour
Director of Music

Hi, I’m Karisa Seymour! I’ve been teaching band and choir since 1991 and am currently the Band Director at Morgan County Middle School. I’m passionate about helping students grow through music, and I’m proud that our ensembles consistently earn top honors, including Superior ratings and performances at events like the Governor’s Mansion Holiday Celebration and the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and my master’s from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. I’m also a longtime member of Sigma Alpha Iota and several professional music organizations.

Outside of school, I love hiking, reading, swimming, and spending time with my family. My husband, Robert, is also a band director, and we have three amazing kids—Zachary, Nicholas, and Kathryn.

Megan Shafer
Accompanist &
Children’s Choir Director

Hi! I’m Meghan Shafer—a pianist, teacher, and lifelong music lover. I’m passionate about sharing God’s love through music, whether I’m teaching students or playing for a congregation.

I’ve been studying piano for over 20 years and teaching for more than a decade. Along the way, I earned my B.M. from Converse College in South Carolina and my M.M.E. from the University of Oklahoma. I’m currently working on my Ph.D. in music education at the University of Missouri (almost there!). In addition to my academic work and role at church, I run a private piano studio, where I love helping students grow in both skill and confidence.

My husband Daniel and I live in Athens, Georgia with our two very spoiled cats—Big Kitty and Little Kitty. When I’m not at the piano, you’ll probably find me out on a hiking trail, trying a new baking recipe, or working on a crochet project.

David Boardman
Handbells Director

Hi, I’m David Boardman—a percussionist, teacher, and handbell director with a heart for making music in community. I’ve been directing handbell choirs since 1999 and hold a music education degree from Florida State University.

Over the years, I’ve performed with the Savannah and Macon symphonies, and with my percussion quintet at events like the Atlanta Olympics and even public TV. I’ve also had the joy of using music for healing, coordinating rhythm-based programs at Camp Twin Lakes for kids facing serious challenges.

These days, I direct handbell choirs at Madison and Covenant Presbyterian Churches, and lead Bells of Northeast Georgia, an advanced concert ensemble. Wherever I’m working, I love helping people connect through music.