MUSIC STAFF

Andrew Peters
Minister of Music and Organist

A native of West Caldwell, New Jersey, Andy is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the Cleveland Institute of Music. A recipient of numerous awards, he has played as ensemble organist with the St. Louis Symphony. His first season in 2013 included performing Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes at Carnegie Hall on what would have been Britten’s one hundredth birthday. In addition to playing solo organ recitals and leading hymn festivals, he often accompanies silent film comedies starring Harold Lloyd.

Andy is an active member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). He has been dean of the Nashville chapter, director of the 2010 St. Louis Pipe Organ Encounter, and chair of the 2015 Region VI Convention. He also filled several terms on the national AGO’s Committee on the New Organist.

Before coming to Augustana in November 2021, Andy served Episcopalian, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist congregations in Connecticut, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. He has been featured as a guest commentator on the radio program Great Sacred Music and organist on Pipedreams. His music is published by Augsburg Fortress, MorningStar Music, and Paraclete Press. Andy and his wife Christine and cat Garfield live in the city of Denver.

For more information, visit andrewjpeters.com.

Contact Andy at 303-388-4678 ext. 122 or by email.

Kevin T. Padworski

Chancel Choir Director

Kevin T. Padworski serves as Chancel Choir Director at Augustana Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Denver. In addition to this role, he also serves as the Artistic Director of The Colorado Chorale and Director of Vocal Music at Colorado Academy. Padworski performs extensively, and has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards declaring mastery in multiple disciplines: conducting, voice, saxophone, and keyboards. Professional appearances include the Colorado Repertory Singers, Colorado Choral Arts Society, Colorado Symphony, Colorado Symphony Chorus, Cincinnati Youth Choir, Dallas Symphony, DCINY Concerts Orchestra, Mid-America Concert Productions, Evans Choir, Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, New England Wind Ensemble, Opera Colorado, University of Denver, Stratus Chamber Orchestra, American Baptist Churches USA, and numerous collaborative and solo performances.

Padworski holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting and literature from the University of Colorado, and the master and bachelor of music degrees in conducting and music education from the University of Denver and Eastern University. He is an active composer and writes for soloists, instrumental, and choral ensembles with a particular interest in creating robust and engaging orchestrations and accompaniments. Padworski’s music has been performed at local, state, regional, and national ACDA conferences, receiving premieres in venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Votivkirke in Vienna, and his commissions have received accolades including recognition from Americans for the Arts. His works are available through Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Hal Leonard, Pavane, and MusicSpoke.

Contact Kevin at 303-388-4678 ext. 111 or by email.

Angela Howard

Angela Howard is thrilled to be the director for Choristers and Cantabile! Angela is a passionate music educator who currently teaches K–5 general music and choir at Independence Elementary in the Cherry Creek School District. She served as the guest clinician for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Choristers Guild Children’s Choral Festival and is currently the co-president of the organization. Previous teaching experience includes K–5 general music in Minnesota and North Dakota and 6–12 vocal music in Iowa. Angela is a proud graduate of North Dakota State University (Go Bison!) where she holds a Master of Music in Music Education (2015) and a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education (2002). In addition to elementary music and choir, Angela has extensive experience directing musical theater productions at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. When she is not teaching, Angela fills her time by singing with the Augustana Chancel Choir, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Marcia Olson

Marcia Olson directs the Cherub Choir. An active member in Chancel Choir and Augustana Ringers, she enjoys working with children. Marcia also leads Sunday School openings. Marcia recently retired as Vice Principal at Mracek Middle School in Aurora, Colorado.

Sharon L. Schillereff

Sharon L. Schillereff is a Colorado native and currently resides in Wheat Ridge. Sharon works as a paralegal in downtown Denver. An active participant in Augustana’s Music Ministry, Sharon assists and accompanies the Choristers Choir, teaches Recorders, sings in Chancel Choir, and rings in Augustana Ringers.