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Dear RCB family:
We are delighted to announce that our search for music leadership has been successful! On October 1, we will be welcoming Yuliia and Viktor Billa as the new Music Director and Associate Music Director and Organist. They come to us from Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL. Yuliia and Viktor emigrated from Ukraine ten years ago and became US citizens earlier this year. They trained at the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine in Kyiv and continued their studies when they arrived in Florida: Yuliia has a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting and Master of Music in Voice Performance, and Viktor has a BA in Organ and Piano Performance and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance.
Yuliia and Viktor have a wonderful personal and musical partnership. They love teaching and playing, and their joy is infectious. Church music is a calling for them, and they are excited about making RCB their home.
Yuliia will lead our music ministry with Viktor’s assistance and collaboration. She will build and lead the Chancel Choir and the youth and children’s choirs, and plan music for worship and other programs. Viktor is a skilled organ technician as well as a performer; our beautifully restored organ will be in good hands. He accompanies Yuliia in choral rehearsals as well as playing in all services. Both play and direct handbells.
Yuliia and Viktor spent the day at RCB a few weeks ago, engaging with staff and members of the congregation, performing and conducting. They impressed the group with their skills and charmed with their warmth, good humor, and eagerness to connect.
They will come to us on October 1, as they have commitments to fulfill at their current church in September. The fall will be a period of transition, and we ask for your patience and support. The choirs will not begin rehearsing until they arrive, but we will share information about schedules and registration as soon as possible. The Chancel Choir will return to a Thursday evening rehearsal time, and we hope to see the choir grow.
The handbell program will begin in a few weeks under the leadership of our own Lee Corbett, who has been working over the summer to plan rehearsals and organize our annual Handbell Christmas Concert on December 14. Lee will work with Yuliia and Viktor to transition the program to their leadership in the new year.
We are so fortunate to be welcoming Yuliia and Viktor to our RCB family and will be counting the days until their arrival. We would be happy to share details of the search process or answer any questions – please reach out! Meanwhile, enjoy the last days of summer.
Blessings,
Matt Waterstone
Sarah Underhill, VP of Consistory
Katie Hood, Search Committee Chair
Jenna Shen
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