Sarai St. Clair, Minister of Music

Sarai (pronounced "Sarah") moved to this area from Bloomington, Indiana in January 2012. She left Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, Indiana where she had served as Music Director for 25 years. During those years, Sarai taught private piano and organ lessons in addition to teaching Kindermusik. It was only the lure of family that convinced her to leave Indiana and head north in the middle of winter!  Living within walking distance of two sisters and a few miles from her parents continues to be a source of great joy, and acting as “nanny-auntie” has kept her busy the past year and a half.

Music has been an important part of Sarai’s life since she started piano lessons at 9 years old. The opportunity to take lessons on a pipe organ came during high school, and she never looked back. She studied organ performance at Andrews University and Indiana University, remaining active in church music while completing a degree in chemistry. Other interests include reading, cooking, and exercise. (Some would call her a “health nut”).

Since moving to Michigan, Sarai had the opportunity to be a substitute organist at various churches in Niles and St. Joseph, and was Music Directory at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Dowagiac for a year.  She enjoys teaching piano lessons and accompanying students at Solo and Ensemble. Singing soprano with the South Bend Chamber Singers, an ensemble-in-residence at Saint Mary's College, allows Sarai to perform challenging music with like-minded musicians in the area.

Sarai looks forward to meeting and getting to know the members of First Presbyterian Church. She is very excited and enthusiastic about making music with you!