Welcome to
Essex Community Church!
In the spirit of fellowship and community that defines us, we welcome everyone who wants to celebrate and explore the spirit of Christian life, in word, in song, and in life.
Extending our hearts and hands in outreach and love, we invite you to join us on any Sunday or for any special event, and to enjoy fellowship during these uncertain times. We hope you will return again and again, but we only ask that you come with an open heart and an open mind.
Summer Concert Series
All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.
Suggested donation is $15 per person.
Piotr Barz, piano, was immersed in music from a young age in Poland, where he was born. Piotr initially played blues, ragtime guitar, and drums, but over time piano bacame his greatest love and main instrument. While drawing inspiration from Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, Willie “The Lion” Smith, and many other great players, Piotr enjoys arranging his interpretations of standard tunes. He also composes, often spontaneously. He is entirely self-taught and plays by ear, which makes him an exciting improviser. Along with his piano music, his concerts feature entertaining and informative stories based on Piotr’s knowledge, love, and passion for music.
Jeanette Woodruff, trumpet, has been sharing her love of music with students for 37, mostly as the Saranac High School Band Director. In addition to the After Five Brass, she plays with the Adirondack Wind Ensemble and Adirondack Jazz Orchestra, is director of the Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir, and conductor of the Strawhatters Community Band.
Penny Wiese, trumpet, has dedicated the past 23 years to as a music teacher. Penny inspires students at Saranac Central School through her deep passion for music and education.
Frank Langr, French horn, has 43 years’ experience teaching in public schools, mostly at Chazy Central Rural School, Frank currently works with band students at Mooers Elementary and Rouses Point Elementary Schools. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music and a Master of Science degree from Western Connecticut State University. A founder of Chazy Music Theatre, he has directed, conducted, and performed in several shows. Frank also performs with the Adirondack Wind Ensemble.
Michael Nystoriak, trombone, originally from Troy, New York, began studying trombone in 4th grade. After graduating from high school, he was accepted into the Crane School of Music's and then went on to receive his master of music degree in performance from Arizona State University. He has taught music at Beekmantown High School since 2000. He also regularly performs with Wally Seibel’s All Star Big Band, the Adirondack Wind Ensemble, and the Adirondack Jazz Orchestra.
Steve Woodruff, tuba, has been an active musician since elementary school, playing tenor saxophone in the Peru Central School band, and later in the Strawhatters. As a tuba player, he has performed with After Five Brass Quintet. Steve is also a church organist, and began playing the organ when he was a sophomore in high school at the Peru Community Church, encouraged by Pastor Ken Parker.
Robin Cameron-Phillips, flute, has performed with Toronto New Chamber Orchestra, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Burlington Choral Arts Society orchestra, and the Adirondack Wind Ensemble, among others. As a chamber musician, Robin is most active with Vermont Classic Consort Trio and has been a featured and frequent guest soloist for Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble. As member of the Vermont Virtuosi Flute Ensemble, she has appeared live on Vermont Public Radio and in numerous concerts throughout Vermont, including Keene Valley East Branch Friends of the Arts, Highland Center for the Arts in Caspian, VT, and concerts throughout the Adirondacks with the Trillium Chamber Players. She earned her bachelor of music degree from Ithaca College and master of music degree from Northwestern University.
Patricia McCarty, viola, has received many international accolades. She has appeared as soloist with the Detroit, Houston, Kyoto. and Shinsei Nihon symphonies, Boston Pops, Orchester der Beethovenhalle Bonn, l’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Valencia Turiae Camerata, and in recitals throughout the U.S. as well as a debut at London’s Wigmore Hall. Winner of the First Silver Medal and Radio Prize in the Geneva International Competition when she was eighteen, Ms. McCarty graduated the following year from the University of Michigan, where she studied with noted violist Francis Bundra. She has performed as chamber musician at the Aspen, Marlboro, and Tanglewood festivals with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Bill Zito, guitar, made his formal debut in 1974 to critical acclaim at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center and Carnegie Recital Hall, earning him the Young Artist of the Year accolade from High Fidelity Magazine. Zito has received acclaim for his solo and ensemble performances, including premieres of new works, as well as contributions to opera, dance, and stage music. Zito's versatility extends across a range of instruments, including the Renaissance lute, vihuela, archlute, mandolin, and baroque guitar. He currently performs with the Strathmere Ensemble and the Long Island Baroque Ensemble and has served on the Hofstra University faculty.
Welcome Tom Dwyer, Organist
Tom Dwyer joined the congregation of Essex Community Church as its organist in early 2025. He began studying classical organ in high school under the late William C. “Bill” Evans, who mentored many students to use their talents as church organists. Tom initially began playing the organ for chapel services at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Paoli, PA. He continued organ studies under June Miller, professor of music at the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture, and was organist for Episcopal services at Penn State’s Eisenhower Chapel during his six years at the university. Following his graduation with a master's degree in Engineering, Tom continued playing the organ for churches of different denominations while pursuing a full-time career in business and engineering. As his family and professional obligations grew, coupled with living abroad for more than a decade, Tom took an extended break from playing the organ, but resumed playing when he became aware of the need for an organist at Essex Community Church, which had not had the benefit of live organ music for several years. Tom lives in Willsboro and is active in the community, serving on several town Boards and volunteering as an EMT with the Willsboro-Essex EMS service. We welcome him and his musical skills into our community.
FAMILIES WELCOME!
Essex Community Church welcomes families with children of all ages. We invite you to join us at Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and other community festivities.
