Artistic Faculty
Artistic Director & Youth Orchestra Conductor: Rev. Walter G. Edmonds
Walt Edmonds has an extensive musical and ministerial background. Currently as the Senior Pastor of Damascus United Methodist Church, he directs choirs and conducts The Living Christmas Tree and other major choral and orchestral performances. Since September 11, 2001, he has served as the Artistic Director of the Academy of Saint Cecilia Youth Orchestra. Walt conducted the Hymnal Celebration of Constitution Hall in 1989 and chaired the Design Team of the Northeast Jurisdiction Convocation of the Fellowship of United Methodist in Music and Worship Arts. Walt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organ and voice from Lycoming College, a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University, and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Temple University.
Kenneth L. Webb is the Conductor for the Chamber and
Prep Orchestras and the former Director of Music at Glenelg
United Methodist Church. After graduating with a Music
Education Degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College,
Webb taught elementary music in Preston, Maryland.
As a professional musician he has played in productions
at the Olney Theatre, Ford's Theatre, and the Kennedy
Center. He has been on the staff of the United Methodist
Fellowship of Music and Worship Arts Camp for many
years. Webb was the director of elementary and middle
school choirs at Hughes United Methodist Church, the director of the intergenerational
group "Joy," and has conducted major choral and instrumental works. Flute Choir Director: Mrs. Janet Lundgren
Janet Lundgren holds degrees in music education and flute performance.
She is currently the Band Director at
Chapelgate Christian Academy where she oversees all
aspects of the instrumental music program. In addition to
private teaching, she has taught school music at all levels.
Originally from New England, Mrs. Lundgren performed with the
Metropolitan Wind Symphony and the Great Woods Chamber
Orchestra. She was a member of the 2008 Professional
Flute Choir and recently presented a clinic on the topic of
flute repertoire at the Ohio Music Education Association
professional conference.
Concert Band & Beginning Band Director: Mr. Charles Doherty
Charles Doherty is the director of Instrumental Music at Damascus High School, leading two bands, a jazz band, and a string orchestra. He carries a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from Duquesne University, where he played principal trombone in the Symphony Band, lead trombone in the Jazz Ensemble, and principal bass trombone in the Wind Symphony, as well as conducted the Symphony Band in performance.
As a performer, Mr. Doherty has played with numerous groups in the DC area, including the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band, Martinsburg Jazz Orchestra, Yesterdays Swing Orchestra, the Montgomery Philharmonic, and the Trinity Chamber Orchestra
