MUSIC STAFF

Organist and Choirmaster

Biography

As Organist and Choirmaster of St. Thomas Aquinas, Michael Conrady oversees a thriving program known for its musical excellence. During his tenure, the ministry has grown to include four adult choirs, a chorister program for children in grades 1-8, a contemporary worship ensemble, a cantor ministry, and an active concert schedule. In 2019, he joined the faculty of the University of North Texas School of Music as Instructor of Sacred Music.

Dr. Conrady received his Bachelors Degree at Baylor University where he studied organ with Joyce Jones. While at Baylor, he was the First Place winner of the 1998 William Hall Organ Competition. His graduate degrees include the Masters of Music (MM) in organ, the Masters of Theological Studies (MTS), and the Masters of Sacred Music (MTS) from Southern Methodist University (SMU). While at SMU, he studied harpsichord and organ with Larry Palmer, sacred music with Michael Hawn and Chris Anderson, and conducting with David R. Davidson. He then continued graduate work at the University of North Texas, where he studied organ with Jesse Eschbach for two years, focusing on 18th-century performance practices of France and Germany. Returning to SMU, he studied Liturgics with Mark Stamm and completed the Doctor of Ministry degree in 2019. Dr. Conrady's doctoral research project culminated in a thesis on medieval communion antiphons and the composition of new music for use in the Roman Catholic liturgy.

In addition to his parish ministry and teaching, MIchael enjoys concertizing, composing liturgical music, and serving on a number of professional organizations in the fields of music, liturgy, and theology. Dr. Conrady was certified as an Associate of the American Guild of Organists (AAGO) in 2007 and currently serves the Guild as Treasurer of the Dallas Chapter and as Education Coordinator for the Southwest Region. He has served on the Dallas Diocesan Liturgical Commission and the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Places, and he served as Organist for the Diocesan Choir from 2014-17. He is active in the Hymn Society of United States and Canada. He co-presented the Opening Hymn Festival at the 2019 convention and has taught seminars on liturgy and music at previous annual conventions.

Philosophy of Sacred Music

“Music is a unique way in which we can participate in God's creation by creating places of beauty and order in the world. Whether through instrumental selections or sacred song, music has the potential to reach people on a plane beyond that of mere words. It elevates our prayer, ennobles our suffering, and quickens our joy. It is a remarkable tool by which God reaches the hearts of his people through our human efforts. I am grateful to have been called to St. Thomas to share in the daily journeys and special moments with the people of God.”

“Soli Deo Gloria”

Grant Wareham

Associate Organist and Choirmaster

Biography

Named one of The Diapason magazine’s top “20 under 30” young organists in 2020, Grant Wareham is active as an organist, choral conductor, and teacher. Prior to coming to St. Thomas Aquinas, he served as organist and director of music ministries at Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey, PA. Early in his tenure at the church, he oversaw the restoration and reinstallation of Aeolian-Skinner No. 1132, originally installed in 1950 at the Church of the Redeemer in New Haven, Conn.—work that was highlighted in both The Diapason and The American Organist.

Active as an organ recitalist, Wareham has performed at National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C.; St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City; and the 2017 National Convention of the Organ Historical Society. A champion of new music, in 2022 he commissioned and premiered Karim Al-Zand’s Toccata for Organ in Washington, D.C. He also gave the American premiere of Francesco Santelli’s Assisi Concerto for organ and chamber orchestra at NYC’s Church of the Covenant in 2019. Winner of both first prize and Audience Prize at the 2017 Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition in Hartford, Conn., he was also a semifinalist in the 2019 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition.

Wareham earned an MM degree at the Yale University Institute of Sacred Music and School of Music, where he studied with Jon Laukvik and Thomas Murray. During his time in New Haven, he served as organist and choirmaster for the Episcopal Church at Yale, and as organ scholar at Christ Church New Haven. He earned a BM degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he studied with Ken Cowan, graduating cum laude and with distinction in research and creative work. While in Houston, he served as Moseley Memorial Organ Scholar at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, and then as associate organist at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.

Philosophy of Sacred Music

My primary pathway for experiences with the Divine has been through music. I believe God speaks to me through many diverse settings, and whether I’m playing, directing, or simply absorbing, I’ve felt God the most viscerally in music. Sharing is one of the noblest acts a person can do, but I feel my calling is to share my experiences with God with the world. It is my sincerest hope to enhance the worship of almighty God through music to all who worship here at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Dave Moore

Director of the New Music Initiative

Dave Moore is a singer-songwriter who has traveled all across the country singing contemporary and traditional songs of praise. He grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he started his own sound production company and recording studio in 2007. After earning a degree in Sound Recording Technology, Dave took his music to a new level, and began commuting to Nashville for touring and writing between 2011 and 2013. Following the completion of his 4th full-length album, he turned his focus toward writing and recording liturgical music, as well as developing liturgical resources.

Dave married the love of his life, Lauren, in 2013. Together they began writing music and singing full time. While they continue to travel for performances, they are very excited to make St. Thomas Aquinas their home base.

You can find Dave and his team leading worship at the 7:30 p.m. Sunday Mass, Pange Lingua - St. Thomas Aquinas’ monthly night of worship - as well as at retreats for middle school, high school, and young adults of the parish.

Dave’s goal as a liturgical leader at St. Thomas is “to create an atmosphere that leaves the heart vulnerable to God through prayer and music.” He strives to write and choose music that reflects the beauty of God while encouraging congregational worship.

"It is my hope and direction that everything I do will be for or from the heart of God."

For more information on Dave, feel free to visit his website: www.davemooremusic.com