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Thayer finds calling in music

Leslie C. Thayer always knew she wanted to be a music director. She remembers directing a “pretend choir” at age 4 or 5.

She also wanted to be an organist and got her first position at a Methodist church in Altoona at age 17. After high school, she left the area to attend college and found opportunities to share her talents in other communities.

However, more than two years ago she decided to return to the area to spend time with her sisters. The move also puts her closer to her daughter in Pittsburgh, and a son and his family (two grandchildren) in Boston.

Looking for a position in the Altoona area that fit her abilities, she accepted the role of director of music ministry and principal artist at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

Throughout her career, Thayer said she has held positions in music and as an organist for various denominations, including the Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist and Catholic faith traditions.

“I was always interested in music and the liturgical studies of the various denominations,” she said.

Thayer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from American University in Washington, D.C., and a Master of Music in Sacred Music and Organ Performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She has worked at churches in the Steel City as well as other communities in Pennsylvania. She also served churches in Florida, Wisconsin and for the Sisters of Providence in Terre Haute, Ind.

Thayer said she accepted positions in other cities, so she could see more of the world. Growing up, she had few opportunities for vacations and travel. She explained that her parents owned Miller Bros. Hardware Store in Tyrone and the business occupied a lot of their time.

But no matter where she lived, music was her focus and her calling.

“Participating in music has a way of building faith,” she said. “I want to enhance people’s ability to sing music, so they can fully participate in their worship and enhance the presence of God in their lives.”

As part of that mission, she teaches piano and organ as well as works with the voices in the Cathedral’s choir and its cantors.

“It’s loads of fun to work with professional singers,” she said, “but to work with lay people, to form them into a choir gives me incredible joy.”

And whether they are in the pews or choir loft, she believes music is an important part of worship.

“Music enhances people’s understanding of their Christian faith. It can touch people in ways words can’t,” she said.

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