Priscilla Oldaker - Director of Children's Music

"Music has charms to sooth a savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." William Congreve ("The Mourning Bride" 1697)

I believe that there is no force more powerful to humankind than music. Studies have shown that certain types of music can improve test scores, ease pain, promote recovery, reduce stress, relieve depression, enhance memory, reasoning and learning ability, aid developmentally delayed children, and improve plant growth. Other types of music create anxiety, arouse suspense, increase stress and tension, rouse feelings of patriotism, evoke memories, decrease appetite and increase blood pressure.

Music has always been a part of my life. From early childhood our home was filled with song. There were five kids and each of us played at least two instruments. Each evening during the week we would gather after supper to sing and play. On weekends we would often sing and play for local churches. Real fun was attending the Youngstown Symphony. At the age of five I performed my first public solo. I remember how much fun it was for me to sing, and how I looked forward to the children's music at church.

Music continued to carry me into my adult life. I graduated from Allegheny Wesleyan College where I recorded for and traveled representing the college on a music scholarship.

My greatest fulfillment in life outside of Christ is my family, Jarry, Tyler and Tara. Along with being mommy, I love to read, write, cook, skydive, and I am able to indulge my passion for life-long learning by working reference at the Thomasville Library.

Giving the gift of music to children is a great joy. I firmly believe that the foundations that are laid in a child's heart at the earliest age will sustain them throughout life, and the cornerstone of the foundation should be Jesus. Through the children's music ministry at Memorial United Methodist Church, I hope to be able to help to lay that foundation.