“I have known Mark for over 10 years, and was asked to be an Advisory Council member to fill the seat after the death of our mutual friend, Gary DeVaul. I admire Mark for his faith, positive outlook and generous spirit. The aspect I enjoy most about the work of the Foundation is the Choral Festivals, blending the voices of many faiths and realizing what a gift it is to each community.”
“In the 40 years I have known him, Mark Thallander has been a constant source of inspiration to his students, peers and friends. It is a joy to encourage him as he makes organ scholarships available to worthy students in various universities. His example, and performance in worship and concert venues, is to be commended and promoted.”
“Beyond the fact that Mark is President of the National Children’s Chorus Honorary Board, my support for his work and its noble mission is unwavering. Through music, he has touched the lives of thousands of people, inspiring adults and children alike to come together as a community in song. It will always be important for me to do whatever I can to further his cause, and help promote the continuation of the phenomenal results achieved by the Foundation over the last many years.”
“I am honored to serve on the Advisory Council of the Mark Thallander Foundation. Knowing the benefits that great choral and organ music has provided me over my lifetime allowing me to share my faith through music, has sustained me and helped me grow as a Christian. The Festivals allow churches to come together to participate in a choir and music ministry that cannot be duplicated in one church alone. Participants and congregations leave the Festivals spiritually revitalized and infused with hope and joy to continue on life’s journey.”
“I have the greatest admiration for Mark and his talent, and the way he has devoted his life to ministry. He is an inspiration to so many and has a remarkable ability to connect with people and encourage them with his friendship. I have been very honored to be a part of the Mark Thallander Foundation Advisory Council.”
“It gives me pleasure to be of assistance in advancing the cause of great music. As an Advisory Council member, I am happy to offer advise from my years of experience when needed.”
“I have considered it an honor to be a part of the Mark Thallander Foundation Advisory Council. Having been friends with Mark for close to 40 years, I have appreciated his creativity, tenacity, knowledge, sense of humor and friendship. It has also been very rewarding to hear several of our anthems and organ pieces performed in the exciting MTF-sponsored Festivals over the years!”
Piano concerts throughout the United States also include an improvising workshop at a World Piano Pedagogy Conference, American Guild of Organists Regional Conference in 2013 and concerts with Mark Thallander. She has also presented workshops for the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada.
“I met Mark in the fall of 1968 at Central Bible College when he began his undergraduate piano and music theory studies with me. Along with music department requirements, he and I worked many hours in preparing his piano accompaniment for the weekly live broadcast of Revivaltime on the ABC radio network. It was a very special honor performing with him on the Doxology CD. In the past few years I have enjoyed assisting with Foundation activities as well as playing organ/piano duets in church services and concerts with him.”
My adoration for Mark knows no bounds. After watching him perform and manage both people and circumstances for over ten years I know his devotion to sacred music and his concern for others is unprecedented! In 2014, I offered to be a substitute page turner for him and have been turning pages for him ever since. It is an honor for me to assist him in his music ministries!