July 17, 2008

Church musical director to depart for Massachusetts

‘The Sound of Music’ will be swan song

For the past five years, John Leslie has been musical director for the Joint Venture Churches of Almaden, which is made up of the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ. He will be leaving soon to return to Massachusetts, his home state.

Leslie has led the joint musical programs for the churches as well as being organist, directed both choirs and a joint hand bell choir. In addition, he has led the Almaden Adventures in the Arts at the Episcopal Church as well as teaching private voice and piano lessons, presented student recitals and talent shows.

“John is a very special person. He has brought out talents in people that they didn’t know they had. He has added greatly to the joy we all find in our church communities. He is going to be very greatly missed, “ said Mary Leal, a member of the Episcopal Church congregation.

Each year he produced and directed members of both churches in musical theater including “South Pacific,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Anything Goes,” and a Cole Porter review. He has also participated in other local musical theater with Tabard Theatre and the Saratoga Drama Group.

As his “swan song” with the churches, he is producing and directing “The Sound of Music” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 25, 26 and 27 and Friday and Saturday Aug. 1 and 2.

Joint Venture Churches of Almaden are located at 6581 Camden Avenue, 1.5 blocks east of Almaden Expressway. Childcare provided. Tickets: $15 Adult, $5 Student or Youth, $2 Children. Call (408) 268-0243 for more information.