About Me
Full Name: Dr. Brian H. Norcross
But Please Call Me: Brian
Position: Director of Music/Minister of Worship
Born where and when: Mt. Holly, NJ - November 16th
Family Facts: I grew up in Moorestown, NJ. My mother was an outstanding oboist. My dad, an artist and teacher, played the stereo very well. I met my future wife Kim through her sister, Kathy Fowler. Kathy married Mark Fowler, who was the United Methodist pastor in Williamstown, MA at the time that I lived and taught there. We got married in Williamstown in 1985 and moved to Lancaster for a position at F&M in 1986. We are blessed with four children, Molly, Megan, Greyson and Gloria.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Music Education from The Univeristy of Massachusetts in Amherst 1981, Master in Music from The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, 1986, Doctorate of Musical Arts from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in 1992.
How I became a Christian: I grew up in a Christian family. My dad was a major force in my home church in Moorestown, NJ. He made banners for all of the liturgical seasons, decorated the building for every season, was the chair of the worship commission and because he was concerned about security of the buildings, he became the night watchman and closed and locked the building every night. Because my father was the Chair of worship commission, I became a permanent acolyte and often found myself correcting the pastors when they got confused in worship.
How I ended up at First Church: When Kim and I moved to Lancaster we went 'church shopping'. We found nothing that connected to God in worship. We were invited to come to First Church by the David Bird family and we instantly fell in love with the congregation, the worship and the great music. I was a civilian in 'the pew' until 1992 when Paul Fisher retired. At that time, I was selected to become the new Director of Music. I have been blessed to work with so many outstanding and dedicated musician disciples here at First Church.
The most important thing I do around here: Bring music and worship alive to the glory of God.
Favorites
Music: Well, this is a problem given my profession. Perhaps my favorite major work is Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1, but Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring is a close second, with Mozart's Symphony No. 41 in a close third. But as a conductor, my favorite piece is the one I am conducting right now.
Movie: I am still a big fan of the original Star Wars triology.
TV Show: I love things that are creative; "Whose Line Is It Anyway" combines humor and creativity. Otherwise, I love reruns of M*A*S*H and Star Trek the Next Generation.
Food: I love pizza, but am allergic to most of the ingredients! Apple pie is a 'safe' food that covers at least one food group.
Vacation: Conesus Lake in the Rochester, NY area.
Place to eat in Lancaster: The Pressroom
How I spend my free-time: At home. My schedule is pretty intense between F&M, Allegro the Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster and First Church, so when I have the chance, staying home is a goal, which doesn't happen often.
Best book I've read recently: Teaching Music with Passion by Peter Boonshaft
Nobody knows that I..... love to watch football and baseball on TV.
My vision for First Church: My vision for FUMC is to be a "cathedral" for the people of Lancaster County. The concept of the western European cathedral was a place not only of worship, but also as a center for most of the communities activities. My vision is that we become a center for Christian life for the people of the county.
One way people can pray for me is: I would appreciate prayers for energy, leadership and creativity. Being a conductor is a physically taxing job, which requires positive leadership and creative ways to solve problems in an instant. These are God given gifts and I would appreicate prayers to further develop and retain these gifts.