Join us for a FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch on Saturday, October 5, at 7pm. Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum. Free street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave.
Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch’s musical began playing the organ at the age of 12, when she would walk to the Franklin Methodist Church daily after school to practice the organ. She became the church’s organist following the resignation of the previous organist in 1967. She held this position until her graduation from Franklin High School in 1971, after which she pursued a degree in music education and organ performance at Bucknell University. Catherine furthered her studies at Syracuse University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, earning a master’s degree in the same fields.
For the past 38 years, Catherine has been the organist at the Manlius United Methodist Church in Manlius, New York. She has also served as a substitute organist for various churches in Central New York, including her home church in Franklin.
Beyond her role as an organist, Catherine enjoyed a 44-year career as a music teacher in both public and private schools until her retirement in 2020. She taught music theory, studio music, and directed choirs, including barbershop, men’s, and mixed choruses. She also led guitar clubs and musicals, and was a guest choral conductor and accompanist for All-County and All-City performances. Catherine has presented workshops, given performances at All-State conventions, professional development days and college music education classes. Additionally, she maintained a private studio for voice, piano, and guitar lessons.
In retirement, Catherine continues to share her love of music by teaching her grandchildren piano and guitar, accompanying their school chorus concerts, and playing piano for church services at several senior retirement homes. She also supports local school districts by accompanying choral and orchestra concerts.
Catherine finds her greatest joy in selecting, preparing, and playing music for church worship, praising God through the majestic compositions of the great masters. She considers it an honor and privilege to contribute to worship services, giving glory to God through her music.
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You can download a .pdf copy of the Community Concert poster here.
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