Advisory Council

Leanne, now retired, was owner of Amore Breakfast in Ogunquit, Maine, for 25 years. After earning her degree in Early Childhood Development, taught for several years before pursuing a career in furniture sales and interior decoration. She finally found her niche in the restaurant business, honoring her Sicilian immigrant grandfather who was a chef for 40 years. Leanne, who was active in choral and music productions in high school, enjoys music and traveling.

“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.”

After her husband’s death, Rosemary assumed his position as choir director at their church in Pasadena, California, until she accepted a position in the President’s office at Vanguard University, becoming the first alumni director and architect of the alumni program, serving in that capacity for 42 years. Rosemary earned her B.A. in Business Administration. She and her husband, Jack, travel extensively and enjoy living in Arizona and California.

“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.”

Pianist and conductor, Luke, in 2004, was appointed Artistic Director of the National Children’s Chorus. Equally at home in the studio as well as on the concert stage, Luke has worked on several motion picture soundtracks. He is a two-time graduate of UCLA, holding a B.A. in English literature, and a Master of Music degree in conducting. He currently lives in New York, commuting every week to Los Angeles.

“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.”

Bruce, who has been involved in music ministries since a young child, has been in the education field for 25 years, currently serving as Principal of a high-needs school in El Monte, California. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Geneva College, his Master of Education in Counseling from Westminster College, his teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University, his principal credential from Seattle Pacific University, with additional work at Fuller Seminary.

“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.”

Barbara graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a minor in music. She worked at the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California, for almost 30 years, retiring in 2005. The first 10 years she worked in the Music Ministry office. During that time she was fortunate to be able to work with Mark Thallander and Frederick Swann. Later, she became Associate Director of Programming for the Hour of Power.

“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.”

John received his Master of Music degree with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. His initial studies of the organ began at age 13 and continued throughout high school and college. John won numerous awards as keyboard artist and vocalist. His performance credits to date are countless and worldwide.

“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.”

Bruce is a native New Yorker, but Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been his home since 1968, when he came to study at Oral Roberts University. In 2001, he retired, after having taught Elementary Music Education for 30 years in Tulsa Public Schools. Since 2003, Bruce has been the Vocal Music Assistant at Sapulpa High School. He is co-composer with Mark Thallander of Come, Christians, Join to Sing and Sing Praise to the Lord for choir, congregation, organ and brass, as well as several pieces for solo organ. He serves as organist for First Baptist Church in Tulsa.

“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!”

Glenda Winkle-Morrow is a Professor Emeritus of Music, MTNA National Certified Teacher of Music and holds American Orff-Schulwerk Association Level 2 Certification. She received a Master of Music degree in piano performance from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois and has continued post graduate studies at a number of American universities and the Hochschule for Music in Graz, Austria.

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.”