APRIL 2021
Bridget Jankowski
Chair, Forum for Musical Skills
Bridget Jankowski is the Director of Music at St. Matthew Parish
in Akron, Ohio. She is also a Licensed Body Mapping Educator, author of the book Body Mapping for Music Ministers (GIA), and the Founder of the Choral Mapping program. Bridget loves the outdoors—she lives on the bank of the Cuyahoga River, and she spends her spring, summer, and fall kayaking on the river. Tis past year, despite its challenges, has brought her new wisdom; reflecting on what she has learned from this time, she says, “Tis past year has taught me that doing less can be enough; that God speaks through silence. Doing less allows us to listen more.”
In her work chairing the Forum for Musical Skills, Bridget is looking forward to creating a vast network of people working together to support the high level of musical skills of NPM’s members. Initial ideas for the diverse work of the Forum include establishing resource lists of existing programs, online workshops, question and answer discussion forums, mentorships, and more. Te focus of this Forum will greatly depend on the needs and requests of our membership. Bridget says, “I love that NPM members are open, curious, and always willing to share and learn. I am counting on you to contribute, and I'm excited to keep the lines of communication wide open to serve you!”
“This past year has taught me that doing less can be enough; that God speaks through silence. Doing less allows us to listen more.”
Emily Strand
Chair, Forum for Communications
Emily Strand is an author, lecturer, catechist, college
professor, blogger, podcaster and church musician. She directs the contemporary choir and ensemble at Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbus, Ohio, and has been married to Matt for 15 years; they have a 9-year-old son and “a very kooky cat.” Her outside-of-ministry activities are many and varied: “I'm a retired performing songwriter who still enjoys collaborating with my band Te Town, I co-host the academic Harry Potter podcast Potterversity, and I'm an aspiring member of the 501st Star Wars costuming organization.”
I see the role of a Forum Chair as recognizing and engaging NPM members' many gifts to strengthen our organization in its mission. Tat means my role is not to be what the organization needs in any given scenario, but to find out who is, and facilitate their contributions. I have always valued the collegiality I experience through NPM, from my first experience of a convention Eucharist (ah! the singing!) to getting to know the Columbus, Ohio diocese as a fairly recent transplant through involvement in our local chapter, to sharing best practices and inspiration on social media. I'm not sure how anyone ministers without this great group for support!”
Te past year has been instructive for Emily as she looks at her life and ministry; she says, “I've learned to look carefully in between the obstacles for spaces where ministry can happen. I've also learned that life is too short to worry about every wrong note I play. Finally, I've learned not to eat garlic before having to sing with a mask on.”
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