Our Board Members
MARK THALLANDER
President Mark Alan Thallander is a free-lance organist, composer, and author; President, The Mark Thallander Foundation; and President, Honorary Board, National Children's Chorus. (More) |
PAUL GENZINK
Board Member & Vice President A native of Holland, Michigan, Paul Genzink moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1972 at the request of a major organ company that he represented in Michigan. (More) |
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Founding Officers & Directors
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SUE MILLER
Board Member & Secretary Sue Miller is a retired floral designer whose inherited artistic talent flows over into the world of music. (More) |
BRUCE RHODES
Treasurer Elect Bruce, who has been involved in music ministries since a young child, has been in the education field for 34 years, currently serving as Principal of an elementary school in Seattle, Washington. He retires this year. (More) |
Honorary Board Members
PAUL BANDY
Honorary Board Member A native of Missouri, Mr. Bandy moved to Southern California in 1966 with his parents when his father accepted a call to pastor a church in the Los Angeles area. (More) |
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Advisory Council
LEANNE CUSIMANO
Leanne is currently General Manager of Topside Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and was owner of Amore Breakfast in Ogunquit, Maine, for 25 years. After earning her degree in Early Childhood Development, she 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.” ROSEMARY JACKSON 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.” JUDITH MacLEOD Judy, the daughter of a Lutheran pastor, was surrounded by music at an early age and she began her life-long love of choir participation at Detroit Lutheran High School. Judy was a member of the choirs at Garden Grove Community Church/The Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California for 29 years. She served in many leadership roles including President of the Choir Board. Her ability to communicate the text of an anthem often found her joy-filled face featured on the Hour of Power international telecast. Judy currently attends Shepherd’s Grove and enjoys being a grandmother and great grandmother! “I met Mark Thallander in 1976 when he was hired by Don G. Fontana as a Music Ministry staff member. In 2003, Marilyn Fontana invited me to join the Benefit Concert Committee after Mark’s accident. I am delighted to continue my association with Mark and the Foundation as a member of the Advisory Council.” LUKE McENDARFER 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. “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 RHODES
Bruce, who has been involved in music ministries since a young child, has been in the education field for 34 years, currently serving as Principal of an elementary school in Seattle, Washington. He retires this year. 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.” THE REVEREND DR. ROBERT ANTHONY SCHULLER Dr. Schuller, co-founder of Robert Schuller Ministries, is an American author, televangelist and pastor, who has served as minister on the Hour of Power broadcast and as senior pastor at The Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hope College and Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 1981, he founded Rancho Capistrano Community Church in San Juan Capistrano, where he served as senior pastor for over twenty years. MARTY THYNG Marty has been active in vocal music for as long as she can remember, singing at home while washing dishes every night, singing in church choirs from grade 3 through twelve, and performing in many concerts, including two All State Festivals and four Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in music education, she taught kindergarten through twelfth grade in the New Hampshire Seacoast region for almost thirty years. She also holds a level two Orff Certificate. "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!" BARBARA TODD 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 WEST
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 WILKIN 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!” |