Epworth UMC welcomes Doug Yetter as director of music ministries

Epworth United Methodist Church announced that Doug Yetter has been selected its as director of music ministries. The Rev. Vicky Starnes, Epworth’s senior pastor, said, “We’re so excited to have Doug on board in this position! We needed someone who could grow and develop a strong, cohesive music program across all our services, worship styles and musicians. We are blessed to have found that person in Doug, whose extensive musical and artistic gifts, coupled with his broad experience across multiple settings, will enable him to immediately begin to fulfill that role.”

Yetter echoed Starnes’ enthusiasm, noting that during his teens he had seriously considered pursuing a career in the ministry. “This position offers the perfect opportunity to employ both my ministerial tendencies and my musical talents. I could not be more pleased!” Asked what he has in mind for Epworth’s music program going forward, Yetter said he is working to develop an annual benefit concert series he hopes will launch later this year; other plans include expanding the church’s existing praise team and developing a community-wide children’s chorus. “I’m looking forward to bringing to this position the skills I’ve developed in my career as a writer, composer, conductor, director and producer. It’s an honor to be responsible for further expanding Epworth’s fine music program.”

Yetter is well known to the local community as the artistic director emeritus and co-founder of Clear Space Theatre Company, and as the current conductor, musical director and artistic director of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. He has served Epworth UMC as organist since 2008, twice serving also as interim director of music. In 2007, he served as interim minister of music at both St. George’s Episcopal Church in Harbeson and All Saints' Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach, and in 2006 served as assistant minister of music at both parishes. Yetter also has served numerous churches in both Delaware and Colorado as organist and/or choir director.

Yetter’s 40-year career has spanned multiple disciplines and venues: He has composed vocal and instrumental scores for sacred, academic and theatrical settings; directed theatrical productions in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and Colorado; managed the Chesapeake Music Hall in Annapolis, Md.; the Heritage Square Opera House in Golden, Colorado;  and the Goldenrod Showboat in St. Louis; and conducted numerous choral groups and theatrical productions in Delaware, Maryland and Colorado.

Yetter also has served as an instructor at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the Cape Henlopen High School Theatre Arts Academy and at multiple elementary and secondary schools; from 1997 through 2002, he was vocal coach, accompanist and chorus master at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He continues to teach private piano and voice students.

Yetter holds a master of fine arts from New York University, and a bachelor of arts in music composition from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, the American Federation of Musicians and the Dramatists Guild of America.

For more information on Epworth UMC go to www.eumcrb.org.