Alvin is a church musician and active recitalist.

Alvin Blount - organ recitalistA native of Augusta, GA, Alvin R. Blount was educated in the public schools of Richmond County. He received his first organ lessons during college semester breaks from Michael Joyce and William Christmas, and after graduating from Tuskegee Institute (now University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he did public relations work and also taught reading in the Richmond County School System. It was during this time that he met Jamie Council Garvey, who taught him organ and encouraged him to return to school to study music. He later earned degrees from Mercer University and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, respectively; he was an organ student of John Brock and the late Robert Parris.

He is the Director of Music and Worship at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta. In addition to four recordings, he has directed the Parish and Contemporary Choirs of St. Mary’s on tours to Charleston, SC, Washington, DC, St. Augustine, FL, and parts of Ireland and Italy, where they had the opportunity to sing in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated by Pope John Paul II in 1999. An active recitalist, his first solo recording of organ works, Spiritual Pipes, is available on compact disc and all of its proceeds support the St. Vincent de Paul Health Center, Augusta. This CD is dedicated in loving memory of his mother, Myrtle Terry Blount (1925-2006).

Alvin is the Past-Dean of the Augusta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and the Alumni Board of Directors, Townsend School of Music of Mercer University.


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Professional Experience

Diocesan Archivist/Liaison, Becoming Beloved Community
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
January 2022-present

Organist and Choirmaster
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Knoxville, TN
July 2020-December 2021

Organist and Choirmaster
Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Cartersville, GA
August 2018-2020

Director of Canterbury Choir (Adults) and co-director of St. Cecilia Choir (Children)

Organist
Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, Atlanta, 6pm Sunday Eucharist
June 2018-2020

Director of Music
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marietta, GA
March 2017-July 2018

  • provide organ and direct choral/congregational music for two of the seven weekend Masses for a congregation of 5200 family units
  • direct one all-volunteer adult choir for 10:45 am Sunday Mass
  • direct one children's choir for 5:30 pm Saturday Mass
  • accompany and work with cantors for the 10:45 and 5:30 Masses
  • accompany ensemble and collaborate with music teacher for all school liturgies
  • organist for Holy Days of Obligation, Paschal Triduum, funerals, and weddings
  • provide music for Wednesday noon Masses
  • collaborate with musicians for all other Masses

Director of Music and Worship
St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta, GA
November 1995-March 2017

  • provide organ, choral, and/or congregational music for four of the five weekend Masses at a 6,000+ member congregation
  • direct two all-volunteer adult choirs of different musical styles, liturgical use of handbells, and accompany St. Mary’s School and chorale for all school liturgies
  • organist for funerals, weddings, Holy Days of Obligation, and Benediction and Compline, and Paschal Triduum
  • produced four choral recordings: Anthems and Spiritual Songs, Music at St. Mary’s, Christmas at St. Mary’s, and Sweet Music
  • released first solo organ recording: Spiritual Pipes, to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Health Center, a clinic in Augusta, GA for the homeless and uninsured
  • directed the St. Mary’s choirs on two European tours: Italy(1999) and Ireland(2001). In addition to concerts, I directed the choirs in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated by Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II.
  • directed the St. Mary’s choirs on three different occasions at the annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival of Churches, Charleston, SC, and on tours to cathedrals and basilicas in Washington, DC, Asheville, NC, Savannah, GA, and St. Augustine, FL
  • commissioned four choral settings written by James Biery for the St. Mary’s choirs: Ubi caritas and Ave Maria and Two Motets for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (published by MorningStar Music Publishers)
  • commissioned a choral setting of O Magnum Mysterium by Thomas Pavlechko
  • direct The Vola O’Connor Jacobs Memorial Series (formerly, Musical Offerings at St. Mary’s) to showcase local and regional talent
  • serves as the pastor’s secretary for liturgical concerns and chair the Liturgy Committee
  • former chairperson, Parish Life Commission
  • member, Consolation Ministry
  • Developed and chaired the acquisition of four additional bells to the bell tower to commemorate the centennial of the Church in 2017.

Director of Music, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Oak Ridge, TN
November 1991-September 1995

  • organist and choir director for two weekend liturgies
  • one adult choir
  • one children’s choir
  • organist for weddings, funerals, annual Lessons and Carols, and Evensong services

Organist/Choirmaster, St. Francis Episcopal Church, Macon, GA Fall 1989-August 1991

  • organist and choir director for two weekend liturgies
  • one adult choir
  • organist for weddings and funerals

Middle School Teacher(7th grade reading) Richmond County Public Schools, Augusta, GA, 1986-1989

Education

  • Master of Science in Information Sciences (M.S.I.S.)
    The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
    Emphasis: Library Science (ALA-accredited)
  • Master of Music (M.Mus.)
    The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
    Emphasis: Organ Performance
    Studied organ with John Brock
  • Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)
    Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
    Emphasis: Organ and Sacred Music
    Studied organ with Robert Parris
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
    Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama
    Emphasis: English
    Studied piano with John Price

Affiliations

  • Board Member, Sewanee Church Music Conference
  • Society of American Archivists

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Performances

Annunciation window

Future Performances

Evensong Recital, St. John's Cathedral, Knoxville, TN; Sunday, November 7, 2021, 4:45pm; Cathedral Choir at 5:15pm

 

Selected Programs (pdf)

Alvin Blount - concert organist

Past Performances

Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA; Sunday, January 17, 2021, 3:15 pm; Evensong to follow

Third Thursday Organ Interludes, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Macon, GA; Thursday, January 16, 2020, Noon

Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA; Sunday, September 29, 2019, 3:15 pm; Evensong to follow

First United Methodist Church, Salisbury, NC; Friday, February 22, 2019 7:30pm

St. John's Epsicopal Church, Savannah, GA; Sunday, March 11, 2018

Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA; Sunday February 4, 2018, 3:30 pm

Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA; Sunday, January 14, 2018, 3:15 pm

First United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge, TN; Sunday, November 12, 2017, 3:00 pm

St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church, Marietta, GA; recital at 3:30 pm, Choral Evensong at 4:00 pm Sunday, October 15, 2017

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Macon, GA; Third Thursday Organ Interludes; Thursday, May 18 2017, Noon

Church Street United Methodist Church, Knoxville, TN; Advent Recital; Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 11:40 am/service at Noon

Colour of Music Festival, Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, SC; Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Noon

Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA; Sunday, September 27, 2015, 3:15 pm

St. John United Methodist Church, Augusta, GA; Concerts With A Cause, Organ recital featuring four Augusta organists, Sunday, September 25, 2016 3:00 pm

Midday Music Concert Series, First Presbyterian Church, Aiken, South Carolina; Thursday, October 22, 2015, Noon

225th Church Anniversary Organ Recital, Washington Presbyterian Church, Washington, GA; Saturday, July 11, 2015, 2:00 pm

Columbus Chapter AGO recital, First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, GA; Monday, March 9, 2015, 7:00 pm

Ellis & Ann Johnson Concert Series, Gilbert-Lambuth Chapel, Paine College, Augusta, GA; Saturday, January 31, 2015, 5:00pm

Binkley Memorial Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, NC; Monday, April 4, 2014, 7:00 pm

Church Street United Methodist Church, Knoxville, TN; Sunday, April 6, 2014, 3:00 pm

Columbus Chapter, AGO recital, First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, GA; Monday, March 9, 7:00 pm

Music on the Corner Series, St. John's Episcopal Church, Roanoke, VA; Friday, February 7, 2014, 6:00 pm

Sunday Organ Recitals, St. Thomas Church Fifth Ave, New York, New York; Sunday, February 2, 2014, 5:15 pm

Peachtree Christian Church, Atlanta, Georgia;
Sunday, January 27, 2013; 4:00 pm

Winter Classics, Christ Episcopal Church, Greenville, SC; Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 12:00 pm

Cathedral of St. Philip (Episcopal), Atlanta; Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 3:15 pm

Friday Noon Recitals, National City Christian Church, Washington, DC; August 24, 2012

Music for Organ and Voice, Henry Hinnant, tenor and Alvin Blount, organ; St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta Monday, May 7, 2012, 7:00 pm. Benefit concert for Catholic Social Services, Augusta.

Cherry Blossom Festival Organ Concerts; Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, Macon, Georgia; Thursday, March 22, 2012 12:00pm

2nd Friday MUSIC AT NOON; St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Hilton Head, SC; Friday, February 10, 2012

Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 720 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia; Sunday, December 11, 2011 4:00 pm

Friday Noon Organ Recitals, National City Christian Church, Washington, DC; Friday, September 30, 2011 12:00 pm

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA;
Wednesday, April 13,2011; 11:45 am

Grace Episcopal Church, Anderson, SC;
Thursday, April 7, 2011; TBA

St. John United Methodist Church, Augusta, GA;
Concerts With A Cause; All-Bach program with Dr. Robert Parris;
Sunday, March 13, 2011, 3:00 pm

Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Augusta, GA;
Christmas In the Chapel; Wednesday, December 15, 2010; 12:00 pm

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Macon, GA;
Third Thursday Organ�Interludes; Thursday, November 18, 2010; 12:00 pm

Cathedral of St. Philip (Episcopal), Atlanta, GA;
Sunday Afternoon Recitals; Sunday, March 27, 2011; 3:15 pm

St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, Aiken, SC;
Bach’s Lunch Tuesday, October 19, 2010; 11:30 am

Cathedral of St. Patrick (Roman Catholic), Charlotte, NC;
AGO Summer Recital Series; Sunday, June 27, 2010; 7:00 pm

St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta, GA;
Musical Offerings at St. Mary’s; Monday, June 14, 2010; 7:00 pm

St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta, GA;
Music for Trumpet and Organ with Dr. Mark Dulin; Monday, May 4, 2009; 7:00 pm

Cathedral of St. Philip (Episcopal), Atlanta, GA;
Sunday Afternoon Recitals Sunday, September 20, 2009; 3:15 pm

St. John United Methodist Church, Augusta, GA,
Westobou Festival Organ Series; Monday, September 22, 2008; 11:30 am

St. John’s United Methodist Church, Aiken, SC;
Under the Steeple Series;Sunday, February 10, 2008; 4:00 pm

Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, Macon, GA;
Cherry Blossom Festival Organ Concerts; Tuesday, March 20, 2007; 12:00 pm

St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta, GA;
Musical Offerings at St. Mary’s; Monday, January 22, 2007; 7:30 pm

Cathedral of St. Philip (Episcopal), Atlanta, GA;
Sunday Afternoon Recitals; Sunday, October 7, 2007; 3:15 pm

Cathedral of St. Philip (Episcopal), Atlanta, GA;
Sunday Afternoon Recitals; Sunday, February 12, 2006; 3:30 pm

Mercer University and Christ Church (Episcopal), Macon, GA;
Alumni Recital; Thursday, January 27, 2005; 7:30 pm

Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Augusta, GA;
Thursday, October 7, 2004; 6:00 pm

Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), Augusta, GA;
Musica Sacra/Evensong at Six; Sunday, October 28, 2001; 6:00 pm

Audio Excerpts


Mr. Blount's first solo recording of organ works, Spiritual Pipes, is available on compact disc and all of its proceeds support the St. Vincent de Paul Health Center, Augusta.

Spiritual Pipes CD Available for purchase

You Can Find Me Here

You Can Find Me Here

Alvin is an archivist, church musician, and active recitalist.

Alvin Blount - organ recitalistA native of Augusta, GA, Alvin R. Blount was educated in the public schools of Richmond County. He received his first organ lessons during college semester breaks from Michael Joyce and William Christmas, and after graduating from Tuskegee Institute (now University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he did public relations work and taught reading in the Richmond County School System. It was during this time that he met Jamie Council Garvey, who taught him private organ lessons and encouraged him to return to school to study music. He later earned degrees from Mercer University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, respectively; he was an organ student of the late Robert Parris and John Brock.

After recently receiving the MSIS (librarianship) from The University of Tennessee, Alvin was appointed as Diocesan Archivist for the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee and serves as Organist and Choirmaster at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Knoxville as well. He was Director of Music and Worship at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Augusta, from 1995-2017. It was during this time that he produced four recordings and directed the Parish and Contemporary Choirs of St. Mary's on tours throughout the Southeastern United States and parts of Ireland and Italy, where they had the opportunity to sing in St. Peter's Basilica on the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated by Pope John Paul II in 1999. An active recitalist, his first solo recording of organ works, Spiritual Pipes, is available on compact disc. This CD is dedicated in loving memory of his mother, Myrtle Terry Blount (1925-2006). He has performed solo recitals across the United States, including National City Christian Church (Washington, DC), Saint Thomas Church Fifth Ave (New York), The Cathedral of St. Philip (Atlanta), Concerts With A Cause St. John United Methodist Church (Augusta), and Master Arts Series Church Street United Methodist Church, (Knoxville).

The Sub-dean of the Knoxville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Sewanee Church Music Conference, and the Society of American Archivists.


More Info

more info Click the buttons above to read about my Education, Professional Experience, and Affliations, Performances, and Programs.

You Can Find Me Here

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