Director of Music Ministries & Organist
Mitchell R. Weisiger was born Maryland but was reared in Richmond, Va. Prior to coming to RCPC, Mitch served Decatur First United Methodist for twelve years as the Organist and Associate Director of Music. While in Decatur he worked with other staff in the children, youth, and adult choir programs, accompanied the youth choir in worship and on annual summer tours, handled instrument maintenance, led an expansion of the sanctuary organ and the purchase of a new chapel organ. Mitch served for five years at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, East Brunswick, N.J., as parish organist and associate director of music. In addition to his duties at St. Bartholomew’s, he was the assistant organist and assistant conductor of the Festival Choir for the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ
Mitch has been a guest performer at the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, Calif.; the Cathedral of St. Patrick and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City; the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta and St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, Atlanta. In addition, Mitch has also accompanied the St. Bartholomew’s parish choir in a pilgrimage to Italy and Vatican City where he served as organist for the choir in a concert at St. Ignatius, Rome, and a papal mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
He is a graduate of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J., receiving a bachelor of music degree with a concentration in sacred music and has earned the Colleague certificate (CAGO) from the American Guild of Organists. While at Westminster, Mitch was the accompanist to the Chapel Choir, Chapel Ensemble and the Westminster Singers. In addition, Mitch was a member of the Symphonic Choir and the world renowned Westminster Choir, conducted by the late Joseph Flummerfelt. On the weekends, Mitch could be found in Philadelphia where he was serving as an assistant Grand Court organist at the Wanamaker Store (now Macy’s) in Philadelphia. When not working at the church, Mitch is at home cooking and hanging out with his cat Sammy. Mitch started his journey at RCPC in August of 2016. In 2021, Mitch will make his première as a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall, NYC.
Mitch’s Philosophy on Music in the Liturgy
The use of music in the church is a historic tradition. Just as I believe God hears our verbal expressions in any language used, I also believe that God hears our artistic expressions of praise, prayer through divine worship, and therefore believe that music is an integral part of the worship service through choirs, soloists, and congregational song. I believe that music enhances the theme of worship through the hymns that are chosen, opening and closing organ voluntaries, and music presented by the choirs and other ensembles. Music is a vital form of expression in worship.
Personal Objectives for Music Ministry
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To enhance the worship experience through a variety of musical expressions; congregational song, choral, organ and instrumental music.
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To increase the level of artistic skill in individuals who participate in the music ministry by offering a variety of musical styles and degree of difficulty.
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To provide various opportunities for the church community to express their musical gifts in the worship of God.
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To augment the congregation’s awareness of, and appreciation for music as an artistic expression and language of worship.