Born and raised in Chicago, I attended private piano lessons from Kindergarten through High School, receiving a Music Certificate my senior year. In 1971, credentialed with my Masters Degree in Musical Theatre Direction, I began my 44 year career at PGCC, teaching Theatre, and Voice and Diction courses in the Communication and Theatre Department. In the 1990’s, when my husband, Stephen Stokes, and I were raising our family in Lake Arbor, we joined HPC. I sang in Chancel choir, directed and accompanied church performances, and served on Session. In 2008, I completed my educational journey at Morgan State University, receiving an EdD in Community College Leadership. In 2016, when our music director, Andrew Davis, moved to CA, I volunteered to be the interim musical director and worship service accompanist. I continually thank the Lord for opening this new door to my life in music ministry.
Hope Presbyterian Church encourages anyone with a musical passion to come forth and offer your talents. We have various choral groups: Chancel Choir, CWF/CMF, Hope’s Voices, Family Groups, and the beginnings of our Young Adult Percussion Combo. There is always room for participation!
Chancel Choir meets Thursday evenings 6:30-7:45 pm and Sunday mornings 9:30-10:10 a.m. in the sanctuary for worship service music rehearsals. Our love for singing praises to God together helps us make worship more meaningful for each of us and our congregation. Please stop by the sanctuary keyboard after any worship service to introduce yourself to me. You can also reach me at (240) 691-3333, or at elainewandakass@gmail.com.
I look forward to meeting you!