The great composer Johann Sebastian Bach said, "The aim and final reason of all music is none else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit." The purpose of the FBC Music Ministry is to exhort, uplift, and encourage the body of Christ through song and worship. First Baptist Church is blessed to have gifted singers and skillful instrumentalists, both professional and lay musicians, who participate in our music ministry week after week. It is our goal to present music that glorifies and edifies God, and ministers to all who worship with us. Opportunities abound for you to praise God through music. We are excited to be expanding our music ministry and will be adding new opportunities for you to serve in the music ministry in the fall.
"And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear, and will trust in the Lord" (Psalm 40:3
PRAISE TEAM BIOS
DONA BUSSARD
Dona and husband Gene have been married for 41 years and live in Weyers Cave with their two fur babies, Timmy and Gracie. Dona works part time at JMU as a Data Processing Specialist in the Admissions Department. She loves to sing and has been doing so (according to family stories) since she was 3 years old.
SARAH ZOTIAN
Sarah Zotian is a local Music Educator and musician that loves to engage and connect with others through all types of music-making and conversations. She graduated from James Madison University in 2021 with a Bachelors of Music with an Emphasis in Music Industry and primary instrumental studies on French Horn. She later got her K-12 Instrumental and Choral teaching licensure and is now the Full Time Music Teacher at Hugh K. Cassell Elementary School in Augusta County. She is the Assistant Marching Band Director at Fort Defiance High School and performs with many local community ensembles and choirs. She is actively engaged in performing groups such as the Valley Wind Ensemble and Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra. She currently resides in Staunton, Virginia where she continues her music learning and creating! She has enjoyed her time at First Baptist Church!
BECKY HOLMES
Becky Holmes is FBC's pianist and accompanist. She is a native of Hagerstown, Maryland. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite College where she studied piano with Dr. Stephen Sachs. She works for James Madison University in the Auditing and Management Services Department. She is married to Michael Holmes, and they have two daughters, Katy and Emily.
ANDREW MACDANEL
Andrew MacDanel is from Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is a graduate of Harrisonburg High School where he excelled in music, singing in choir and playing in the band. He also played guitar in HHS's jazz band. He is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He has taken graduate classes at James Madison University and received his Kodaly Certification from JMU. He is a music teacher at Greenbriar Elementary School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He plays guitar and sings in our praise team. He loves building and collecting guitars. He lives in Staunton, Virginia with his wife, Heather, and their three children.
C.B. HARRIS
C. B. Harris, Sr. plays the bass guitar in the First Baptist Church Praise and Worship Team. C. B. is a native to the Staunton area, graduating from Riverheads High School and retiring from a 40-year employment as a Transportation Engineer at VDOT. He is married to Donna Cason. He was born into a musical family, with many relatives playing different instruments. C. B. has no formal music training, and plays “by ear.” He has been playing music and performing with various bands since he was 14 years old. His other hobbies are coin collecting and gardening, and he spends much of his day walking his dog friend Wendy.
PRESTON SMITH
Preston Smith has been a member of FBC Staunton for 2 and 1/2 years. He serves as a Deacon, and loves singing with the Made For Praise Worship Team. He is from Georgia where he was active in singing with several singing groups. He loves gospel music and has written several songs. He is retired, but works with Kindergarten through 5th graders in an after school program in Staunton. His favorite hobby is golf.
IRVIN HOYT
Irvin Hoyt has been a member of FBC for over thirty years. He has served in many different roles in the music ministry of FBC. Irvin loves to sing gospel music and has sung in several gospel groups. He was a band director in West Virginia for many years. Irvin is a retired golf pro. He lives in Staunton with his wife, Tammy and his little dog Wilson. They have two sons.